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UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. 



I 



i 



A BRAND 



PLUCKED FKOM THE FIRE. 



AN AUTOBIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH 



BY 

MRS. JULIA A. J. FOOTE. 

a 



'•/« nol this a brand plucked out of the fire ? " — Zech. ill. 2. 



./.> 






CLEVELAND, OHIO: 
Printed for the Author by W. F. Schneider. 

1879. 



T 






Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1879, by 

JULIA A . J. F OOTE, 

in the Office of the Librarian of Congress at Washington. 




PRE FAC E. 



I HAVE -written tln^i little book after many- 
prayers to ascertain the will of God — having 
long had an impression to do it. I have a 
consciousness of obedience to the will of my 
dear Lord and Master. 

My object has been to testify more exten- 
sively to the sufHciency of the blood of Jesus 
Christ to save from all sin. Many have not 
the means of purchasing large and expensive 
works on this important Bible theme. 

Those who are fully in the truth cannot 

j)0ssess a prejudiced or sectarian spirit. As 

they hold fellowship with Christ, they cannot 

reject those whom he has received, nor receive 

those whom he rejects, but all are brought 

ato a blessed harmony with God and each 

ther. 

3 



4 PREFACE. 

The Christian who does not believe in sal- 
Vation from all sin in this life, cannot have a 
wnstant, complete peace. The evil of the 
heart will rise up and give trouble. But let 
all such remember the words of Paul : " I am 
crucified with Christ ; nevertheless, I live ; jet 
not I, but Christ liveth in me; and the life 
which I now live in the flesh, I live by faith 
of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave 
himself for me." ''Ask, and ye shall receive." 
The blood of Jesus will not only purge your 
conscience from the guilt of sin, and from dead 
works, but it will destroy the very root of sin 
that is in the heart, by faith, so that you may 
serve the living God in the beauty of holiness. 

My earnest desire is that many — especially 
of my owm race — may be led to believe and 
enter into rest; " For we which have believed 
do enter into rest" — sweet soul rest. 



INTRODUCTION. 



The author of this sketch is well known in 
many parts of Ohio, and in other days was 
known in several States, as an Evangelist. 
The purity of her life and the success of her 
labors are acknowledged. After severe mental 
and spiritual conflicts, she obeyed God, in 
public labor for his cause, and still continues 
in this, although, with many, she is thereby 
guilty of three great crimes. 

1. The first is, that of Color. For, though 
not now the slaves of individual men, our 
brethren continue to be under the bondage of 
society. But if there be crime in color, it lies 
at the door of Him who "hath made of one 
blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the 
face of the earth," and who declares himself to 
be " no respecter of persons." Holiness takes 

5 



6 INTRODUCTION. 

the prejudice of color out of both the white 
and the black, and declares that " The [heart's] 
the standard of the man." 

2. In the next place, we see the crime of 
Yf omanhood. As though any one, with heart 
and lips of love, may not speak forth the 
praises of Him who liath called us out of 
darkness into light I The "anointing which 
abideth" unseals all lips, so that in Christ 
*' there is neither male nor female." Praise 
God forever! 

3. In the last place, our sister, as stated, is 
an Evangelist. We respect the pastoral office 
highly, for we know the heart of a pastor; but 
while the regular field-hands are reaping, 
pray, let Ruth glean, even if " her hap is to 
light on a part of the field belonging to Boaz." 

"If 3'ou cannot, in the harvest, 

Garner up the richest sheaves, 
Many a grain, both ripe and golden, 

Will the careless reapers leave; 
Go and glean among the briers, 

Growing rank against the wall; 
For it may be that their shadow 

Hides the heaviest wheat of all." 



INTKODrCTION. 7 

Onr dear sister is not a genius. S]h> is 
simply strong in connnon sense, and strong in 
the l^ord. Those of us who heard her preaeh, 
hist year, at Lodi, where she hekl the ahnost 
breathless attention of five tliousand people, 
by the eloquence of the Holy Ghost, know well 
where is the hiding of her power. 

This is a simple narrative of a life of inci- 
dents, many of them stirring and strange. We 
commend it to all; and with it, the soundness 
of the doctrine and exhortation with which 
Sister Foote enforces the sublime cause of 

Holiness. 

TIIOS. K. DOTY. 

Christian Harvester Otjico, "> 
Cleveland, June, 1«79. J 



CONTENTS. 



PAGE 

Preface 3 

Introduction 5 

Chapter I — Birth and Parentage 9 

II — Learning the Alphabet 14 

III— The Primes— Going to School 18 

IV — My Teacher Hung for Crime 21 

V — An Undeserved Whipping 24 

VI — First and Last Dancing 27 

VII — My ConTersion 32 

VIII — A Desire for Knowledge — Inward Foes 85 

IX — Various Hopes Blasted 38 

X — Disobedience, but Happy Results 42 

XI— A Religion as Old as the Bible 46 

XII— My Marriage 48 

XIII— Boston— The Work of Full Salvation 52 

XIV— Early Fruit Gathered Home 56 

XV — New and Unpleasant Revelations 59 

XVI— A Long-Lost Brother Found 62 

XA^II— A Call to Preach the Gospel 65 

XVIII — Heavenly Visitations Again 68 

XIX — Public Effort — Excommunication 72 

XX— Women in the Gospel 77 

XXI— The Lord's Leading— Philadelphia 81 

XXII— A Visit to My Parents— Further Labors 84 

XXIII — Color Indignities — General Conference 90 

XXIV— Death of My Husband and Father 94 

XXV— Work in Various Places 97 

XX.YI—A "Threshing" Sermon 101 

XXVII— My Cleveland Home— Later Labors 107 

XXVIII— A Word to My Christian Sisters 112 

XXIX— Love not the World 116 

XXX — How to Obtain Sanctification 122 

8 






A B RAN D ' 






Plucked from the Fire. 



CHAPTER I. 

I WAS born in 1823, in Schenectady, N. Y. 
I was my mother's fourth child. My father 
was born free, but was stolen, when a child, 
and enslaved. My mother was born a slave, 
in the State of New York. She had one very 
cruel master and mistress. This man, whom 
she was obliged to call master, tied her up and 
whipped her because she refused to submit 
herself to him, and reported his conduct to 
her mistress. After the whipping, he liimself 
washed her quivering back with strong salt 
water. At the expiration of a week slie was 
sent to change her clothing, which stuck fast 
to her back. Her mistress, seeing that she 
could not remove it, took hold of the rouijh 
tow-linen under-garment and pulled it off over 

9 



10 A BRAND PLUCXED 

her head with a jerk, which took the skin with 
it, leaving her back all raw and sore. 

This cruel master soon sold my mother, 
and she passed from one person's hands to 
another's, until she found a comparatively 
kind master and mistress in Mr. and Mrs. 
Cheeseman, who kept a public house. 

My father endured many hardships in sla- 
very, the worst of which was his constant 
exposure to all sorts of weather. There being 
no railroads at that time, all goods and mer- 
chandise were moved from place to place with 
teams, one of which my father drove. 

My father bought himself, and then his 
wife and their first child, at that time an 
infant. That infant is now a woman, more 
than seventy years old, and an invalid, 
dependent upon the bounty of her poor rela- 
tives. 

I remember hearing my parents tell what 
first led them to think seriously of their sinful 
course. One night, as they were on their way 
home from a dance, they came to a stream of 
water, which, owing to rain the night pre- 
vious, had risen and carried away the log 
crossing. In their endeavor to ford the stream, 
my mother made a misstep, and came very 
nearly being drowned, with her babe in her 
arms. This nearly fatal accident made such 



FKOM TflK rililC. 11 

nn iin])r('ssi()n ii]>oii their minds that tlioy 
said, '' We'll go to no more dances;" and they 
kept their word. Soon after, they made a 
public prolesi^ion of religion and united with 
the M. E. Church. They were not treated as 
Cliristian believers, but as poor lepers. The\^ 
were obliged to occupy certain seats in one 
corner of the gallery, and dared not come down 
to partake of the Holy Communion until the 
last white communicant had left the table. 

One day my mother and another colored sis- 
ter waited until all the white people had, as 
they thought, been served, when they started 
for the communion table. Just as they reached 
the lower door, two of the poorer class of wliito 
folks arose to go to the table. At this, a mother 
in Israel caught hold of my mother's dress and 
said to her, " Don't you know better than to go 
to tlie table when white folks are there ?" Ah ! 
she did know better than to do such a thing 
purposely. This was one of the fruits of sla- 
very. Although professing to love the same 
Cod, members of tlie same church, and expect- 
ing to find the same heaven at last, they could 
not partake of tlie Lord's Supper until the 
lowest of the whites had been served. Were 
they led by the Holy Spirit? Who shall say? 
The Spirit of Truth can never be mistaken, 
nor can he inspire anything unhol}'. How 



12 A BRAND PLUCKED 

many at the present day profess great spiritu- 
ality, and even holiness, and yet are deluded 
by a spirit of error, which leads them to say to 
the poor and the colored ones among them, 
" Stand back a little — I am holier than thou." 

My parents continued to attend to the ordi- 
nances of God as instructed, but knew little of 
the power of Christ to save ; for their spiritual 
guides were as blind as those they led. 

It was the custom, at that time, for all to 
drink freely of wine, brandy and gin. I can 
remember when it was customary at funerals, 
as well as at weddings, to pass around the 
decanter and glasses, and sometimes it hap- 
pened that the pall-bearers could scarcely 
move out with the cofl&n. When not handed 
, round, one after another would go to the closet 
and drink as much as they chose of the liquors 
they were sure to find there. The ofi&ciating 
clergyman would imbibe as freely as any one. 
My parents kept liquor in the house con- 
stantly, and every morning sling was made, 
and the children were given the bottom of the 
cup, where the sugar and a little of the liquor 
was left, on purpose for them. It is no won- 
der, is it, that every one of my mother's chil- 
dren loved the taste of liquor? 

One day, when I was but five years of age, I 
found the blue chest, where the black bottle 



FKOM THi; FIKK. 13 

was kept, unlot^kcd — an unusual tliinp^. Rais- 
ing the li<l, 1 t(X)k the Ijottle, })ut it to my 
inoutli. and drain(?d it to the hottoni. Soon 
after, the rest of the children hecoming fright- 
ened at my actions, ran and toUl aunt (lincy — ■ 
an ohl colored lady living in a part of our 
house — who sent at once for my mother, who 
was away working. She came in great haste, 
and at once pronounced me drunk. And so I 
was — stupidly drunk. They walked with me, 
and blew tobacco smoke into my face, to bring 
me to. Sickness almost unto death followed, 
but my life was spared. I was like a ''brand 
plucked from the burning." 

Dear reader, have you innocent children, 
given you from the hand of God? Children, 
whose purity rouses all that is holy and good 
in your nature? Do not, I pray, give to these 
little ones of God the accursed cup which will 
send them down to misery and death. Listen 
to the voice of conscience, the woes of the 
drunkard, the wailing of poverty-stricken 
women and children, and touch not the 
accursed cup. From Sinai come the awful 
words of Jehovah, "No drunkard shall inherit 
the kingdom of heaven." 



14 A BRA^'D FLUCKED 



CHAPTER 11. 

I DO not remember having any distinct 
religious impression until I was about eight 
years old. At this time there was a "big 
meeting," as it was called, held in the church 
to which my parents belonged. Two of the 
ministers called at our house : one had long 
gray hair and beard, such as I had never seen 
before. He came to me, placed his hand on 
my head, and asked me if I prayed. I said, 
"Yes, sir," but was so frightened that I fell 
down on my knees before him and began to 
say the only prayer I knew, "Now I lay me 
down to sleep." He lifted me up, saying, 
"You must be a good girl and pray." He 
prayed for me long and loud. I trembled with 
fear, and cried as though my heart would 
break, for I thought he was the Lord, and I 
must die. After they had gone, my mother 
talked with me about my soul more than she 
ever had before, and told me that this preacher 



nioM Tin; in:!-:. ' I"' 

was ii rr^ood man, but not tlic TiOrd ; and that, 
if 1 W(M'(> a good girl, and .^aid my prayers, I 
would go to heaven. This gave me great com- 
fort. I stopped crying, but continued to say, 
'' Now- 1 lay me." A white woman, who came 
to our house to sew, taught me the Lord's 
prayer. No tongue can tell the joy that filled 
my poor heart when I could repeat, "Our 
Father, whicli art in heaven." It has always 
seemed to me that I was converted at this 
time. 

When my father had family worship, which 
was every Sunday morning, he used to sing, 

"Lord, in the mornin<i; thou shalt hear 
My voice ascending high." 

I took great delight in this worship, and 
began to have a desire to learn to read the 
Bible. There were none of our fomily able to 
read except my father, who had picked up a 
little here and there, and who could, by care- 
fully spelling out the words, read a little in 
the New Testament, which was a great pleas- 
ure to him. My father would very gladly have 
educated his children, but there were no 
schools where colored children were allowed. 
One day, when he was reading, I asked him to 
teach me the letters. He replied, "Child, I 
hardl}' know them myself." Nevertheless, he 



16 A BRAND PLUCKED 

commenced with "A," and taught me the 
alphabet. Imagine, if you can, my childish 
glee over this, my first lesson. The children 
of the present time, taught at five years of 
age, can not realize my joy at being able to 
say the entire alphabet when I was nine years 
old. 

I still continued to repeat the Lord's prayer 
and " Now I lay me," &c., but not so often as I 
had done months before. Perhaps I had begun 
to backslide, for I was but a child, surrounded 
by children, and deprived of the proper kind 
of teaching. This is my only excuse for not 
proving as faithful to God as I should have 
done. 

Dear children, with enlightened Christian 
parents to teach you, how thankful you should 
be that " from a child you are able to say that 
you have known the Holy Scriptures, which 
are able to make 3^ou wise unto salvation, 
through faith which is in Christ Jesus." I 
hope all my young readers will heed the admo- 
nition, ''Remember now thy Creator in the 
days of thy j^outh," etc. It will save you from 
a thousand snares to mind religion young. 
God says : " I love those that love me, and 
those that seek me early shall find me." Oh ! 
I am glad that we are never too young to pray, 
or too ignorant or too sinful. The younger, 



FROM TIIR FIRE. 17 

thr more welcome. You have nothing to fear, 
dear cliihh-en; come right to Jesus. 

Why was Aihim afraid of the voice of God 
in the garden? It was not a strange voice; it 
was a voice lie had always loved. Why did 
he IhH' away, and hide himself among, the 
trees? It was because he had disobeyed God. 
Sin makes us afraid of God, who is holy; noth- 
ing but sin makes us fear One so good and so 
kind. It is a sin for children to disobey their 
parents. The Bible says : " Honor thy fanier 
and thy mother." Dear children, honor your 
parents by loving and obeying them. If Jesus, 
the Lord of glory, was subject and obedient to 
his earthly parents, will you not try to follow 
his example ? Lift up your hearts to the dear, 
loving Jesus, who, when on earth, took little 
children in his arms, and blessed them. He 
will help you, if you pray, "Our Father, which 
art in heaven, thy dear Son, Jesus Christ, my 
Saviour, did say, ' Sufier little children to come 
unto me.' I am a little child, and I come to 
thee. Draw near to me, I pray thee. Hear me, 
and forgive the many wicked things I have 
done, and accept m}- thanks for the many good 
gifts thou hast given me. Most of all, I thank 
thee, dear Father, for the gift of thy dear Son, 
Jesus Christ, who died for me, and for whose 
sake I pray thee hear my prayer. Amen." 



18 A BEAND PLUCKED 



CHAPTER III. 

When I was ten years of age I was sent to 
live in the country with a family by the name 
of Prime. They had no children, and soon 
became quite fond of me. I really think Mrs. 
Prime loved me. She had a brother who was 
dying with consumption, and she herself was 
a cripple. For some time after I went there, 
Mr. John, the brother, was able to walk from 
his father's house, which was quite near, to 
ours, and I used to stand, with tears in my 
eyes, and watch him as he slowly moved across 
the fields, leaning^ aorainst the fence to rest 
himself by the way. I heard them say he 
could not live much longer, and that worried 
me dreadfully; and then I used to wonder if 
he said his prayers. He always treated me 
kindly, and often stopped to talk with me. 

One day, as he started for home, I stepped 
up to him and said, " Mr. John, do you say 
your prayers?" and then I began to cry. He 
looked at me for a moment, then took my hand 



i 



FROM THK riHE. 19 

in liis and said: "Soniotinies I pniy; do you?" 
I answered, " Yes, sir." Then said he, " You 
must pray for me" — and turned and left me. 
I ran to the barn, fell down on my knees, and 
said: "Our Father, who art in heaven, send 
that good man to put his hand on Mr. John's 
head." I repeated this many times a day as 
long as he lived. After his death I heard 
them say he died very hap])y, and had gone to 
heaven. Oh, how my little heart leaped for 
joy when 1 heard that Mr. John had gone to 
heaven ; I was sure the good man had been 
there and laid his hand on his head. " Bless 
the Lord, my soul, and all th.at is within 
me praise his holy name," for good men and 
good women, who are not afraid to teach dear 
children to pray. 

The Primes being an old and influential 
family, they were able to send me to a country 
school, where I was well treated by both teacher 
and scholars. 

Children were trained very differently in 
those days from what they are now. AVe were 
taught to treat those older than ourselves with 
great respect. Boys were required to make a 
bow, and girls to drop a courtesy, to any per- 
son whom they might chance to meet in the 
street. Now, many of us dread to meet chil- 
dren almost as much as we do the half-drunken 



20 A BRAND PLUCKED 

men coming out of the saloons. Who is to 
blame for this? Parents, are you training 
your children in the way they should go? 
Are you teaching them obedience and respect? 
Are you bringing your little ones to Jesus? 
Are they found at your side in the house of 
God, on Sunday, or are they roving the streets 
or fields ? Or, what is worse, are they at home 
reading books or newspapers that corrupt the 
heart, bewilder the mind, and lead down to 
the bottomless pit ? Father, mother, look on 
this picture, and then on the dear children God 
has given you to train up for lives of useful- 
ness that will fit them for heaven. May the 
dear Father reign in and rule over you, is the 
prayer of one who desires to meet you all in 
heaven. 



FROM Tin: 1 IliE. 21 



CHAPTER IV. 

iljLu <t*^^^^^*^*^ ^^""9 for if^rimt. 

My great anxiety to read the Testament 
caused me to learn to spell quite rajndly, and 
I was just commencing to read wlien a great 
calamity came upon us. Our teacher's name 
was John Van Paten. He was keeping com- 
pany with a young lady, who repeated to him 
a remark made by a lady friend of hers, to the 
effect that John Van Paten was not very 
smart, and she didn't see why this young lady 
should wish to marr}^ him. He became very 
angry, and, armed with a shotgun, proceeded 
to the lady's house, and shot her dead. She 
fell, surrounded by her five weeping children. 
He then started for town, to give himself up to 
the authorities. On the way he met the 
woman's husband and told him what he had 
done. The poor husband found, on reaching 
home, that John's words were but too true; his 
wife had died almost instantly. 

After the funeral, the bereaved man went to 
the prison and talked with John and prayed 



22 A BRAND PLUCKED 

for his conversion until bis prayers were 
answered, and John Van Paten, the murderer, 
professed faith in Christ. 

Finally the day came for the condemned to 
be publicly hung (they did not plead emo- 
tional insanity in those days). Everybody 
went to the execution, and I with the rest. 
Such a sight ! Never shall I forget the execu- 
tion of my first school-teacher. On the scaf- 
fold he made a speech, which I cannot remem- 
ber, only that he said he was happy, and ready 
to die. He sang a hymn, the chorus of which 
was, 

"I am bound for the kingdom ; 
* Will you go to glory with me?" 

clasping his hands, and rejoicing all the 
while. 

The remembrance of this scene left such an 
impression upon my mind that I could not 
sleep for many a night. As soon as I fell into 
a doze, I could see my teacher's head tumbling 
about the room as fast as it could go; I would 
waken with a scream, and could not be quieted 
until some one came and staid with me. 

Never since that day have I heard of a per- 
son being hung, but a shudder runs through 
my whole frame, and a trembling seizes me. 
Oh, what a barbarous thing is the taking of 
human life, even though it be* " a life for a 



FROM riii: luu:. 23 

life,'' as many believe God commands. That 
was the old dispensation. Jesus said: "A new 
comtnandment I give unto you, that ye love 
one another." Again: "Resist not evil; but 
whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, 
turn to him the other also." Living as we do 
in tlio Gospel dispensation, may God help us 
to follow the precepts and example of Him, 
who, when he was reviled, reviled not again, 
and in the agony of death prayed : " Father, 
forgive them, for they know not what they 
do." Christian men, vote as you pray, that 
the legalized traffic in ardent spirits may be 
abolished, and God grant that capital punish- 
ment may be banished from our land. 



24 A BRAND PLUCKED 



CHAPTER V. 

All this time the Primes had treated me as 
though I were their own child. Now my feel- 
ings underwent a great change toward them; 
my dislike for them was greater than my love 
had been, and this was the reason. One day, 
Mrs. Prime, having company, sent me to the 
cellar to bring up some little pound cakes, 
which she had made a few days previously. 
There were but two or three left; these I 
brou2:ht to her. She asked me where the rest 
were. I told her "I didn't know." At this 
she grew very angry, and said, " Pll make you 
know, when the company is gone." She, who 
had always been so kind and motherly, fright- 
ened me so by her looks and action that I 
trembled so violently I could not speak. This 
was taken as an evidence of my guilt. The 
dear Lord alone knows how my little heart 
ached, for I was entirely innocent of the crime 
laid to my charge. I had no need to steal 
anything, for I had a plenty of everything 
there was. 



FKOM Tin: I'lKi:. -5 

There was Jil)()y working; for Mr. I'riino lh;it 
T always thoii^irlit took the' cakes, for 1 h.-ul 
seen him ]>ut his liand into his pocket liastily, 
and wipe his moutli carefully, if he met any 
one on his wa}^ from the celhir. But what 
could I do? I could not prove it, and his 
stout denial was believed as against my 
unsupported word. 

That night I wished over and over again 
that I could be hung as John Van Paten hr/.l 
been. In the darkness and silence, Satan 
came to me and told me to go to the barn and 
hang myself. In the morning I was fully 
determined to do so. I went to the barn for 
that purpose, but that boy, whom I disliked 
very much, was there, and he laughed at me 
as hard as he could. All at once my weak 
feelings left me, and I sprang at him in a 
great rage, such as I had never known before; 
but he eluded my grasp, and ran away, laugh- 
ing. Thus was I a second time saved from a 
dreadful sin. 

That day, INIr. and Mrs. Prime, on their 
return from town, brought a rawhide. This 
Mrs. Prime applied to my back until she was 
tired, all the time insisting that I should con- 
fess that I took the cakes. This, of course, I 
could not do. She then put the rawhide up, 



26 A BRAND PLUCKED 

saying, "I'll use it again to-morrow; I am 
determined to make you tell the truth." 

That afternoon Mrs. Prime went away, leav- 
ing me alone in the house. I carried the raw- 
hide out to the wood pile, took the axe, and 
cut it up into small pieces, which I threw 
away, determined not to be whipped with that 
thing again. The next morning I rose very 
early, before any one else was up in the house, 
and started for home. It was a long, lonely 
road, through the woods; every sound fright- 
ened me, and made me run for fear some one 
was after me. When I reached home, I told 
my mother all that had happened, but she did 
not say very much about it. In the afternoon 
Mr. and Mrs. Prime came to the house, and 
had a long talk with us about the affair. My 
mother did not believe I had told a falsehood, 
though she did not say much before me. She 
told me in after years that she talked very 
sharply to the Primes when I was not by. 
They promised not to whip me again, and 
my mother sent me back with them, very 
much against my will. 

They were as kind to me as ever, after my 
return, though I did not think so at the time. 
I was not contented to stay there, and left 
when I was about twelve years old. The 
experience of that last year made me quite a 



FROM THE riRE. 27 

hardened sinner. I did not pr.'iy very often, 
and, when I did, something seemed to say to 
me, "That good man, with the white hair, 
don't like you any more." 



CHxVPTER VI. 



I HAD grown to be quite a large girl by this 
time, so that my motlier arranged for me to 
stay at home, do the work, and attend the 
younger children while she went out to days' 
work. My older sister went to service, and 
the entire care of four youngsters devolved 
upon me — a thing which I did not at all relish. 

About this time my parents moved to 
Albany, where there was an African Method- 
ist Church. My father and mother both joined 
the church, and went regularly to all the servi- 
ces, taking all the children with them. Tliis 
was the first time in my life that I was able to 
understand, with any degree of intelligence, 



28 A BRAND TLIJCKED 

what religion was. The minister frequently 
visited our house, singing, praying, and talk- 
ing with us all. I was very much wrought 
upon by these visits, and began to see such a 
beauty in religion that 1 resolved to serve God 
whatever might happen. But this resolution 
was soon broken, having been made in my 
own strengtli. 

The pomps and vanities of this world began 
to engross my attention as they never had 
before. I was at just the right age to be led 
away by improper acquaintances. I would 
gain my mother's consent to visit some of the 
girls, and then would go off to a party, and 
once went to the theater, the only time I ever 
went in my life. My mother found this out, 
and punished me so severely that I never had 
any desire to go again. Thus I bartered the 
things of the kingdom for the fooleries of the 
world. 

All this time conviction followed me, and 
there w^ere times when I felt a faint desire to 
serve the Lord ; but I had had a taste of the 
Avorld, and thought I could not part with its 
idle pleasures. The Holy Spirit seemed not 
to strive with me; I was apparently left to 
take my fill of the world and its pleasures. 
Yet I did not entirely forget God. I went to 
church, and said my prayers, though not so 



FROM Tin: riKE. 29 

oftou as T had done. T thank my lieavonly 
Father that he did not (jnite leave me to my 
own self-destruction, but lullowed me, some- 
times embittering my pleasures and thwartin<^ 
my schemes of worldly happiness, and most 
graciously preserving me from following the 
full bent of my inclination. 

My parents had at this time a great deal of 
trouble with my eldest sister, wh^ would run 
away from home and go to dances — a place 
forbidden to us all. The first time I ever 
attempted to dance was at a quilting, w^here 
the boys came in the evening, and brought 
with them an old man to fiddle. I refused 
several invitations, fearing my mother might 
come or send for me ; but, as she did not, I 
yielded to the persuasions of the old fiddler, 
and went on to the floor with him, to dance. 

The last time I made a public effort at 
dancing I seemed to feel a heavy hand upon 
my arm pulling me from the floor. I was so 
frightened that I fell ; the people all crowded 
around me, asking what was the matter, think- 
ing I was ill. I told them I was not sick, but 
that it was wrong for me to dance. Such loud, 
mocking laughter as greeted my answer, 
methinks is not often heard this side the gates 
of torment, and only then when they are 
opened to admit a false-hearted professor of 



o 



A BRAND PLUCKED 



Christianity. They called me a " little Meth- 
odist fool," and urged me to try it again. Being 
shamed into it, I did try it again, but I had 
taken only a few steps, when I was seized with 
a smothering sensation, and felt the same 
heavy grasp upon my arm, and in my ears a 
voice kept saying, " Repent ! repent ! " I 
immediately left the floor and sank into a seat. 
The comp'any gathered around me, but not 
with mocking laughter as before; an invisible 
presence seemed to fill the place. The dance 
broke up — all leaving very (quietly. Thus was 
I again " plucked as a brand from the burning." 

Had I persisted in dancing, I believe God 
would have smitten me dead on the spot. 
Dear reader, do you engage in this ensnaring 
folly of dancing ? Reflect a moment ; ask 
yourself. What good is all this dissipation of 
body and mind? You are ruining your 
health, squandering your money, and losing 
all relish for spiritual things. What good does 
it do you ? Does dancing help to make you a 
better Christian ? Does it brighten your hopes 
of happiness beyond the grave? The Holy 
Spirit whispers to your inmost soul, to come 
out from among the wicked and be separate. 

I am often told that the Bible does not 
condemn dancing — that David danced. Yes, 
David did dance, but he danced to express his 



ri:oM Tin: rn:r. ?,\ 

pious joy to tlio r.onl. So Miriam danrcd, l)iit 
it was an act of worship, acconipaiiicMl bv a 
liyiiiu of praise. IlerocVs daughter, v/ho was a 
heatlien, danced, and lier dancing caused the 
beheading of one of God's servants. Do you 
find anything in these examples to counte- 
nance dancing? No, no; a tliousand times, 
no. Put away your idols, and give God the 
whole heart. 

After the dance to which I have alluded, I 
spent several days and nights in an agony of 
prayer, asking God to have mercy on me; but 
the veil was still upon my heart. Soon after 
this, there was a large party given, to which 
oar whole family were invited. I did not care 
to go, but my mother insisted that I should, 
saying that it would do me good, for I had 
been moping for several days. So I went to 
the party. There I laughed and sang, and 
engaged in all the sports of the evening, and 
soon my conviction for sin wore away, and 
foolish amusements took its place. 

Mothers, you know not what you do when 
you urge your daughter to go to parties to 
make her more cheerful. You may even be 
causing the eternal destruction of that daugh- 
ter. God help you, mothers, to do right. 



32 A BRAND PLUCKED 



CHAPTER VII. 



i%yti 



onvi{VHion. 



I WAS converted when fifteen years old. It 
was on a Sunday evening at a quarterly n^eet- 
ing. The minister preached from the text: 
"And they sung as it were a new song before 
the throne, and before the four beasts and the 
elders, and no man could learn that song but 
the hundred and forty and four thousand which 
were redeemed from the earth." Rev. xiv. 3, 

As the minister dwelt with great force and 
power on the first clause of the text, I beheld 
my lost condition as I never had done before. 
Something within me kept saying, " Such a 
sinner as you are can never sing that new 
song." No tongue can tell the agony I suf- 
fered. I fell to the floor, unconscious, and was 
carried home. Several remained with me all 
night, singing and praying. I did not recog- 
nize any one, but seemed to be walking in the 
dark, followed by some one who kept saying, 
"Such a sinner as you are can never sing that 
new song." Every converted man and woman 



FROM Till': rim:. 






can i magi no wliat my loeliugs wore. T thought 
God was driving nic on to hell. In groat tor- 
ror- I cried : " J.ord, liavc morcv on mo, a poor 
irinnorT' The voice which liad Ix^on crying 
in my ears ceased at once, and a ray of liglit 
Hashed across my eyes, accompanied hy a sound 
of far distant singing; the light grow hrighter 
and hrighter, and the singing more distinct, 
and soon I caught the words: ''This is the new 
song— redeemed, redeemed ! " I at once sprang 
from the bed where I had been lying for twenty 
hours, without meat or drink, and commenced 
singing : " Redeemed ! redeemed I gh)ry ! glory ! '' 
Such joy and peace as filled my heart, when I 
felt that T was redeemed and could sing the 
new song. Thus was I wonderfully saved from 
eternal burning. 

1 hastened to take down the Bible, that I 
might read of the new song, and the first words 
that caught my eye were : "But now, thus saith 
the Lord that created thee, Jacob, and he 
that formed thee, Israel, fear not, for I have 
redeemed thee; T have called thee by thy 
name; thou art mine. When thou passest 
through the waters, I will be with thee, and 
through the rivers they shall not overflow 
thee; when thou walkest through the fire, 
thou shalt not be burned, neither shall the 
fliame kindle upon thee." Isaiah xliii. 1, ± 



84 A BRAND TLUCKED 

My soul cried, " Glory ! glory ! " and I was 
filled with rapture too deep for words. Was I 
not indeed a brand plucked from the burning? 
I went from house to house, telling my young 
friends what a dear Saviour I had found, and 
that he had taught me the new song. Oh! 
how memory goes back to those childish days 
of innocence and joy. 

Some of my friends laughed at me, and said: 
" We have seen you serious before, but it didn't 
last long." I said: "Yes, I have been serious 
before, but I could never sing the new song 
until now." 

One week from the time of my conversion, 
Satan tempted mo dreadfully, t(41ing me I Avas 
deceived; people didn't get religion in that 
way, but went to the altar, and were prayed 
for by the minister. This seemed so very 
reasonable that I began to doubt if I had 
religion. But, in the first hour of this doubt- 
ing, God sent our minister in to talk with me. 
I told him how I was feeling, and that I feared 
I was not converted. He replied: "My child, 
it is not the altar nor the minister that saves 
souls, but faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, who 
died for all men." Taking down the Bible, he 
read: "By grace are ye saved, through faith, 
and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of 
God." He asked me then if I believed my 



FROM Tin: riiiK. 35 

sins had all been forgiven, and tiiat the 
Saviour loved mo. 1 replied that 1 believed it 
with all my heart. No tongue can express the 
joy that came to me at that moment. There 
is great peace in believing. Glory to the 
Lamb ! 



CHAPTER VIII. 

I STUDIED the Bible at every spare moment, 
that I might be able to read it with a better 
understanding. I used to read at night by 
the light of the dj'ing fire, after the rest of the 
family had gone to bed. One night I dropped 
the tongs, which made such a noise that my 
mother came to see what was the matter. 
When she found that I had been in the habit 
of reading at night, sIk^ was very much dis- 
pleased, and took the Bible away from me, and 
would not allow me to hav<^ it at such times 
any more. 

Soon after tliis, niv minister made me a 
present of a new Bible and Testament. Had 
he given me a thousand dollars, I should not 



36 A BRAND PLUCKED 

have cared for it as I did for this Bible. I 
cherished it tenderly, but did not read in it at 
night, for I dared not disobe}^ my mother. 

I now felt the need of an education more 
than ever. I was a poor reader and a poor 
writer; but the dear Holy Spirit helped me by 
quickening my mental faculties. Lord, I 
will praise thee, for great is thy goodness! Oh, 
that everything that hath a being would praise 
the Lord! From this time, Satan never had 
power to make me doubt my conversion. Bless 
God! I knew in whom I believed. 

For six months I had uninterrupted peace 
and joy in Jesus, my love. At the end of that 
time an accident befell me, which aroused a 
spirit within me such as I had not known that 
I possessed. One day, as I was sitting at work, 
my younger brother, who was playing with 
the other small children, accidentally hit me 
in the eye, causing the most intense suffering. 
The eye was so impaired that I lost the sight 
of it, I was very angry; and soon pride, impa- 
tience, and other signs of carnality, gave me a 
great deal of trouble. Satan said: "There! 
you see you never Avere converted." But he 
could not make me believe that, though I did 
not know the cause of these repinings within. 

I went to God with my troubles, and felt 
relieved for a while ; but they returned again 



FiiOM Tin: i-ri:i:. 37 



and again. Again I wont to tlie Lord, oarn- 
estly striving to find what was the matter. I 
knew what was right, and tried to do right, 
but when 1 wouhl do good, evil was present 
with me. Like Gad, I was weak and feeble, 
liaving neither might, wisdom nor ability to 
overeome my enemies or maintain my ground 
without many a foil. Yet, never being entirely 
defeated, disabled or vanquished, I would gather 
fresh courage, and renew the fight. Oh, that 
I had then had some one to lead me into the 
liirht of full salvation! 

But instead of getting light, my preacher, 
class-leader, and parents, told me that all 
Christians had these inward troubles to con- 
tend W' ith, and were never free from them until 
death; that this was my work here, and I must 
keep fighting and that, when I died, God 
would give me a bright crown. What delu- 
sion ! However, I believed mv minister was 
too good and too wise not to know what was 
right; so I kept on struggling and fighting 
with this inbeing monster, hoping all the 
time I should soon die and be at rest — never 
for a moment sup])osing I could be cleansed 
from all sin, and live. 

I had heard of the doctrine of Holiness, but 
in such a way as to give me no light, nor to 
beget a power in me to strive after the expe- 



38 A BllAND PLUCKED 

rience. How frivolous and fruitless is that 
preaching which describes the mere history of 
the work and has not the power of the Holy 
Ghost. My observation has shown me that 
there are many, ah ! too many shepherds now, 
who live under the dreadful woe pronounced 
by the Lord upon the shepherds of Israel 
(Ezekiel xxxiv.). 

CHAPTER IX. 
'^arions IBoj'^a iHIasl^d* 

The more my besetting sin troubled me, the 
more anxious I became for an education. I 
believed that, if I were educated, God could 
make me understand what I needed ; for, in 
spite of what others said, it would come to me, 
now and then, that I needed something more 
than what I had, but what that something 
was I could not tell. 

About this time Mrs. Phileos and Miss Cran- 
dall met with great indignity from a pro- 
slavery mob in Canterbury, Conn., because 
they dared to teach colored children to read. 
If they went out to walk, they were followed 
by a rabble of men and boys, who hooted at 



FROM Yin,: i-iuK. 30 

them, and threw rotten eggs and C)ther mis- 
siles at tliem, endangering their lives and 
frightening them torribly. 

One seholar, with whom I was acquaintefl, 
was so frightened that she went into spasms, 
whieli resulted in a derangement from whieh 
she never recovered. We were a despised and 
oppressed people ; we had no refuge but God. 
He heard our cries, saw our tears, and wonder- 
fully delivered us. 

Bless the Lord that he is " a man of war ! " 
"I am that I am" is his name. Mr. and Mrs. 
Phileos and their daughter opened a school in 
Albany for colored children of both sexes. 
This was joyful news to me. I had saved a 
little money from my earnings, and my father 
promised to help me; so I started with hopes, 
exj^ecting in a short time to be able to under- 
stand the Bible, and rciul and write well. 
Again was I doomed to disaj^pointment : for 
some inexplicable reason, the f:iniily left the 
place in a few weeks after beginning the 
school. My poor heart sank within me. I 
could scarcely speak for constant weeping. 
That was my last schooling. Being quite a 
vouno: woman, I was oblicred to work, and 
study the Bible as best I could. The d(\ar 
Holy Spirit helped me wonderfully to under- 
stand the precious Word. 



40 A BRAND PLUCKED 

Through temptation I was brought into 
great distress of mind; the enemy of souls 
thrust sore at me ; but I was saved from fall- 
ing into his snares — saved in the hour of trial 
from my impetuous spirit, by the angel of the 
Lord standing in the gap, staying me in my 
course. 

"Oh, bless the name of Jesus! he maketh the rebel a 
priest and king; 
He hath bought me and taught me the new song to sing." 

I continued to live in an up-and-down way 
for more than a year, when there came to our 
church an old man and his wife, who, when 
speaking in meeting, told of the trouble they 
once had had in trving to overcome their tern- 
l^er, subdue their pride, etc. But they took all 
to Jesus, believing his blood could wash them 
clean and sanctify them wholly to himself; 
and, oh! the peace, tlie sweet peace, they had 
enjoyed ever since. Their words thrilled me 
through and through. 

T at once understood what T needed. Though 
I liad read in my Bible many things they told 
me, I liad never understood what I read. I 
needed a Philip to teach me. 

I told my parents, my minister, and my 
leader that I wanted to be sanctified. They 
told me sanctification was for the aged and 
persons about to die, and not for one like me. 



FKOM tin: fiiii:. i\ 

All they said did me no gCK^d. I had wandered 
in the wilderness a long time, and now that I 
could see a rav of the licjlit for which I had so 
long souglit, I could not rest day nor night 
until I was free. 

I wanted to go and visit tliese old peo{)le 
who had been sanctified, but my mother said : 
" No, you can't go; you are lialf crazy now, and 
these people don't know what they are talking 
about." To have my mother refuse my request 
so peremptorily made me very sorrowful for 
many days. Darkness came upon me, and my 
distress was greater than before, for, instead of 
following the true light, I was turned away 
from it. 



42 A BRAND PLUCKED 



CHAPTER X. 

Finally, I did something I never had done 
before : I deliberately disobeyed my mother. I 
visited these old saints, weeping as though my 
heart would break. When I grew calm, I told 
them all my troubles, and asked them what I 
must do to get rid of them. They told me that 
sanctification was for the j^oung believer, as 
well as the old. These words w^ere a portion 
in due season. After talking a long time, and 
they had prayed with me, I returned home, 
though not yet satisfied. 

I remained in this condition more than a 
week, going many times to my secret place of 
prayer, which was behind the chimney in the 
garret of our house. None but those who have 
passed up this way know how wretched every 
moment of my life was. I thought I must die. 
But truly, God does make his little ones min- 
istering angels — sending them forth on mis- 
sions of love and mercy. So he sent that dear 
old mother in Israel to me one fine morning in 
May. At the sight of her my heart seemed to 



FKOM TIIK nUE. 43 

melt within me, so uncxpoctetl, and yet so 
much desired was her visit. Oh, bless the 
Lord for sanctified men and women! 

There was no one at liome except the 
younger children, so our coming together was 
uninterrupted. She read and explained many 
passages of Scripture to me, sucli as, John 
xvii; 1 Thess. iv. 3; v. 23; 1 Cor. vi. 9-12; 
Heb. ii. 11 ; and many others — carefully mark- 
ing them in my Bible. All this had been as a 
sealed book to me until now. Glory to Jesus! 
the seals wefe broken and light began to shine 
upon the blessed Word of God as I had never 
seen it before. 

The second day after that pilgrim's visit, 
while waiting on the Lord, my large desire 
was granted, through faith in my precious 
Saviour. The glory of God seemed almost to 
prostrate me to the floor. There was, indeed, 
a weight of glory resting upon me. I sang 
with all my heart, 

"This is the way I long have sought, 
And mourned because I found it not." 

Glory to the Father! glory to the Son! and 
glory to the Holy Ghost! who hath plucked 
me as a brand from the burning, and sealed 
me unto eternal life. I no longer hoped for 
glory, but I had the full assurance of it. Praise 



44 A BRAND PLUCKED 

the Lord for Paul-like faith ! '' I am crucified 
with Christ: nevertheless, I live; yet not I, 
but Christ liveth in me." This, my con- 
stant prayer, was answered, that I might be 
strengthened with might by his Spirit in the 
inner man; that being rooted and grounded in 
love, I might be able to comprehend with all 
saints what is the length, and breadth, and 
heighth, and depth, and to know the love of 
Christ which passeth knowledge, and be filled 
with all the fullness of God. 

I had been afraid to tell my Another I was 
praying for sanctification, but when the " old 
man" was cast out of my heart, and perfect 
love took possession, I lost all fear, I Avent 
straight to my mother and told her I was 
sanctified. She was astonished, and called 
my father and told him what I had said. He 
was amazed as well, but said not a word. I 
at once began to read to them out of my Bible, 
and to many others, thinking, in my simplic- 
ity, that they would believe and receive the 
same blessing at once. To the glory of God, 
some did believe and Avere saved, but many 
were too wise to be taught by a child — too 
good to be made better. 

From this time, many, who had been my 
warmest friends, and seemed to think me a 
Christian, turned against me, saying I did not 



FKOM Tin-: I'ini:. 45 

know ^vll;lt T was talkincj about -that tlicro 
was no such thing as sanctification and lioli- 
ness in this life — and that the devil hiid 
deluded me into self-right(M)Usness. Many oi" 
them fought holiness with more zeal and vigor 
than they did sin. Amid all this, I IkkI that 
sweet peace that passeth all understanding 
springing up within my sold like a perennial 
fountain — glory to the precious blood of Jesus ! 

"The Kiii;i of hefiven and earth 

Deiiiiis 10 dwell with mortals here." 



46 A Br.AXD TLUCKED 



CHAPTER XL 

The pastor of our church visited me one 
clay, to talk about my " new religion," as he 
called it. I took my Bible and read many of 
my choice passages to him, such as — "Come 
and hear, all ye that fear God, and I will 
declare what he hath done for my soul." 
(Psa. Ixvi. 16) "Blessed is he whose trans- 
gression is forgiven, wliose sin is covered." 
(Psa. xxxii. 1.) While reading this verse, my 
whole being was so filled with the glory of God 
that I exclaimed: "Glory to Jesus! he has 
freed me from the guilt of sin, and sin hath no 
longer dominion over me; Christ makes me 
holy as well as happy." 

I also read these words from Ezekiel xxxvi. : 
" Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, 
and ye shall be clean; from all your filthiness 
and from all your idols will I cleanse you ; a 
new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit 
will I i)ut within you, and I will take away 



FROM Tin: iikf:. 17 

the stony luvirt out of your flesh, and T will 
give you a hoart of flesh. And I will put my 
Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in 
my statutes, and ye shall keep my judf;ments, 
and do them." 

I stopped reading, and asked tlie preacher 
to explain these last verses to me. He replied : 
"They are all well enough; but you must 
remember that you are too young to read and 
dictate to persons older than yourself, and 
many in the church are dissatisfied with the 
way you are talking and acting." As he 
answered me, the Lord spoke to my heart and 
glory filled my .^oul. 1 said : " My dear minis- 
ter, I wish they would all go to Jesus, in prayer 
and faith, and he will teach them as he has 
taught me." As the minister left me, I invol- 
untarily burst forth into praises: 

" M3- soul is full of fclory inspirin<i my tonpie, 
Could I meet with angels I would sing them a song." 

Though my gifts were but small, I could not 
be shaken by what man might think or say. 

I continued day by day, month after month, 
to walk in the light as He is in the light, 
liaving fellowship with the Trinity and those 
aged saints. The blood of Jesus Christ cleansed 
me from all sin, and enabled me to rejoice in 
persecution. 



48 A BRAND PLUCKED 

Bless the Lord, my soul, for this wonderful 
salvation, that snatched me as a brand from 
the burning, even me, a poor, ignorant girl ! 

And will he not do for all what he did for 
me? Yes, yes; God is no respecter of persons. 
Jesus' blood will wash away all your sin and 
make you whiter than snow. 



e--«-'«'i/S^-|3-C§-r2^-'">--* 



CHAPTER XII. 



t*. 



c**:t)« cy 



U 4lPtit;iaQ^. 



Soon after my conversion, a young man, 
who had accompanied me to places of amuse- 
ment, and for whom I had formed quite an 
attachment, professed faith in Christ and 
united with the same church to which I 
belonged. A few months after, he made me 
an offer of marriage. I struggled not a little 
to banish the thought from my mind, chiefly 
because he was not sanctified. But my feel- 
ings were so strongly enlisted that I felt sure 
he would some day be my husband. I read to 
him and talked to him on the subject of a 
cleansed heart. He assented to all my argu- 



FROM TJU: IIRE. 49 

monts, saying ho believed and would seek 
for it. 

The few weeks that he remained with us I 
labored hard witli liiiii for his deliverance, 
but he left u.s to go to Boston, Mass. We cor- 
responded regularly, he telling me of his relig- 
ious enjoyment, but that he did not hear any- 
thing about sanctification. Great was my anx- 
iety lest the devil should steal away the good 
seed out of his heart. The Lord, and he only, 
knows how many times I besought him to let 
the clear light of holiness shine into that 
man's heart. Through all this my mind was 
stayed upon God; I rested in the will of the 
Lord. 

One night, about a month after his depart- 
ure, I could not sleep, the tempter being unu- 
sually busy wath me. Rising, I prostrated 
myself before the Lord. While thus upon my 
face, these words of God came to me : " For we 
have not an high priest which cannot be 
touched with the feeling of our infirmities; 
but was in all points tem])ted like as we are, 
yet without sin." (Ileb. iv. 15.) I at once 
rose up, thanking God for his precious words: 
I took my Bible and read them over and over 
again ; also the eighteenth verse of the second 
ehaptt'r of Hebrews. I was not conscious of 
havin? connnitted sin, and I cried out • *' Leave 

[-11 



50 A BRAND TLUCKET) 

me, Satan; I am the Lord's." At that the 
tempter left, and I surrendered myself and all 
my interests into the hands of God. Glory to 
his holy namel "For it pleased the Father 
that in him should all fullness dwell," and of 
his fullness have I received, and grace for 
grace. 

"Praise God from whom all blessings flow, 
Praise him all creatures here below." 

The day following this night of temptation 
was one of great peace — peace flowing as a 
river, even to overflowing its banks, and such 
glory of the Lord appeared as to almost deprive 
me of bodily powers. I forgot all toil and care. 

This was just a year afttn- my heart was 
emptied of sin. Through faith I received the 
Saviour, and in the same liave continued ever 
since and proved him able to ker:'p from sin. 
Bless God! all my desires are satisfied in him. 
He is indeed my reconciled God, the Christ 
Jesus w^hose precious blood is all my righteous- 
ness. 

"Nought of good that I have done, 
Nothing but the blood of Jesus." 

Glory to the blood that hath bought me! 
glory to the blood that hath cleansed me! 
glory to the blood that keeps me clean ! — me, a 
brand plucked from the fire. 



n;<>M I III; fike. 61 

Goovcre roturiUMl in about a year to claim me 
as his bride, lie still gave evidence of being a 
Christian, but had not been cleansed from the 
carnal mind. I still continued to pray for hi.s 
sanctification, and desired that it should take 
place before our union, but I was so much 
attached to him that I could not resist his 
pleadings; so, at the appointed time, we were 
married, in the church, in the presence of a 
large number of })eo])le, many of whom fol- 
lowed us to my father's house to offer their 
congratulations. 

We staid at home but one day after the cere- 
mony. This day I spent in preparing for our 
departure and in taking leave of my friends. 
Tenderly as I loved my parents, much as I 
loved the church, yet I found myself quite wil- 
ling to leave them all in the divine appoint- 
ment. 

The day following, accompanied by several 
friends, we started for Boston, in an old- 
fashioned stage-coach, there being no railroads 
at that time. As I rode along I admired the 
goodness of God, and my heart overflowed with 
gratitude to him, who had blessed me with 
power to choose his will and make me able to 
say with truth, "I gladly forsake all to follow 
thee." 

Once, the thought of leaving my fathers 



52 A BRAND PLUCKED 

house, to go among strangers, would have been 
terrible, but now I rejoiced in being so favored 
as to be called to make this little sacrifice, and 
evince my love to him who saith : "He that 
loveth father or mother more than me is not 
worthy of me." 



CHAPTER XIII. 

^r^niovnl la l|a^tan — ^^f^ '^otik 4 4"" 

Salvation^, 

On our arrival in Boston, after a long, weari- 
some journey, we went at once to the house of 
Mrs. Burrows, where my husband had made 
arrangements for me to board while he was 
away at work during the week. He worked in 
Chelsea, and could not come to look after my 
welfare but once a week. The boarders in this 
house were mostly gentlemen, nearly all of 
whom were out of Christ. Mrs. Burrows was a 
church-member, but knew nothing of the full 
joys of salvation. 

I went to cliurch the first Sabbath I was 
there, remained at class-meeting, gave my let- 



FRO^r TIIK FIRE. 53 

tor of membership to tli(' minister, and was 
received into the church. In t^ivini^ my tirst 
testimony, I tohl of my thorough and hapi)y 
conversion, and of my sanctification as a sec- 
ond, distinct work of the Holy Ghost. 

After class-meeting, a good many came to 
me, asking (juestions about sanctification ; 
otliers stood off in groups, talking, Avhile a few 
followed me to my boarding-house. They all 
seemed very much excited over what I had 
told them. I began to see that it was not the 
voice of man that had bidden me go out from 
the land of my nativity and from my kindred, 
but the voice of my dear Lord. I was com- 
pletely prepared for all that folio w^ed, knowing 
that "All things woi'k together for good to 
them that love God." Change of people, places 
and circumstances, weighed nothing with me, 
for I had a safe abiding place with my Father. 
Some people had been to mo in such an 
unchristianlike spirit that I had spoken to 
and about them in rather an incautious man- 
ner. I now more and more saw the ijjreat need 
of ordering all my words as in the immediate 
presence of God, that I might be able to main- \^ 
tain that purity of lips and life which the 
Gospel required. God is holy, and if T would 
enjoy constant communion wnth him T must 
guard every avenue of my soul, and w^atch 



54 A BKAXD PLUCKED 

every thought of my heart and word of m}'' 
tongue, that I may be blameless before him in 
love. The Lord help me evermore to be upon 
my guard, and having done all, to stand. 
Amen and amen. 

In a few months rnv husband rented a house 
just across the road from my boarding-house, 
and I went to housekeeping. "Mam" Riley, 
a most excellent Christian, became as a mother 
to me in this strange land, far from my own 
dear mother. Bless the Lord! He supplied 
all my needs. "Mam" Riley had two grown 
daughters, one about my own age, married, 
who had two children. They were dear Chris- 
tian women, and like sisters to me. The 
mother thought she once enjoyed the blessing 
of heart purity, but the girls had not heard of 
such a thing as being sanctified and permitted 
to live. The elder girl, who was a consump- 
tive and in delicate health, soon became deeply 
interested in the subject. She began to hun- 
ger and thirst after righteousness, and did not 
rest until she was washed and made clean in 
the blood of Jesus. Her clear, definite testi- 
mony had a great effect upon the church, as 
her family was one of the first in point of 
wealth and standing in the community. 

God wonderfully honored the faith of this 
young saint in her ceaseless labor for others. 

u 



rito.M iMi. run;. 65 

We attondiMl mectini^s iind visitinl from hou.so 
to liouse, togi^tluM-, almost constantly, wh(?n slic 
was able to go out. (Jloi\v to God ! the church 
becauH' much arousinl ; some plunged into the 
ocean of perfect love, and came forth testifying 
to the power of the blood. Others disbelieved 
and ridiculed this "foolish doctrine," as they 
called it, saying it was just as impossible to 
live without committing sin as it was to live 
without eating, and brought disjointed passa- 
ges of Scripture to bear them out. 



56 A BRAND TLUCKED 



CHAPTER XIV. 

After I went to Boston I Avas much drawn 
out in prayer for the sanctificntion of believers. 
Notwithstanding the enemy labored by various 
means to hinder the work of grace, yet the 
Lord wrought a wonderful change in many. 

The mother of my friend received a fresh 
baptism, and came back into the light, prais- 
ing the Lord. That the Holy Spirit might 
keep my dear ^' Mam" Riley pure until death, 
was my prayer. 

• The health of my dear friend, Mrs. Simpson, 
began rapidly to fail. One morning, in reply 
to my question as to her health, she said: 
"Dear sister, I have been in great pain through 
the night, but you know Jesus said, ' I will 
never leave thee nor forsake thee.' Praise God, 
who has been with me in great mercy through 
the darkness of the night." I remained with 
her the following night, and such calmness, 
patience and resignation through suffering, I 
never had witnessed. Toward morning she 
was more easy, and asked for her husband. 



FROM 11 n; I'lin:. 57 

AMion he came, slie cnibraccd him, rppoate<l 
paspages of Scripture to liim, nnrl oxhortorl 
him, as she IkuI many times before, to receive 
(t()(1 ill all his fullness. 

There, in that death-chamber, in the still- 
ness of night, we prayed for that pious and 
exemjilary man, that he might present liis 
body a living sacrifice. He was deeply moved 
upon by the Holy Spirit, so that he cried aloud 
for deliverance; but almost on the instant 
began to doubt, and left the room. His wife 
requested me to read and talk to her about 
Jesus, which I did, and she was filled with 
heavenly joy and shouted aloud: "Oh, the 
blood, the precious blood of Jesus cleanses me 
now ! " 

Her mother, who was sleeping in an adjoin- 
ing room, was awakened by the noise and came 
in, saying, as she did so: "This room is filled 
with the glory of God. Hallelujah ! Amen." 

As the morning dawned, Mrs. Simpson sank 
into a quiet slumber, wdiich lasted several 
hours. Slie awoke singing: 

"How happy are the}' who their Saviour obey, 
And have laid up their treasure above," 

She was comjDaratively free from pain for 
several days, though very weak. She talked 
to all who came to see her of salvation free and 



58 A BRAND PLUCKED 

fall. Her last morning on earth came. She 
was peaceful and serene, with a heavenly smile 
upon her countenance. She asked me to pra}', 
which I did with streaming eyes and quiver- 
ing voice. She then asked us to sing the 
hymn, 

"Oh, for a thousand tongues to sing 
My great Redeemer's praise." 

She sang with us in a much stronger voice 
than she had used for many days. As we sang 
the last verse, she raised herself up in bed, 
clapped her hands and cried : '' He sets the 
prisoner free ! Glory ! glory ! I am free ! They 
have come for me!" She pointed toward the 
east. Her mother asked her who had come. 

She said : " Don't you see the chariot and 
horses ? Glory ! glory to the blood ! " 

She dropped back upon her pillow, and was 
gone. She had stepped aboard the chariot, 
which we could not see, but we felt the fire. 

While many in the room were weeping, her 
mother shed not a tear, but shouted, "Glory to 
God ! " Then, with her own hands, she assisted 
in arranging and preparing the remains for 
burial. Thus did another sanctified saint 
enter into eternal life. Though her period of 
sanctification was short, it was full of precious 
fruit. 



FKOM HIE FIKE. 59 



CHAPTER XV. 

My liusbiind had always treated the subject 
of heart purity with favor, but now he began 
to speak against it. He said I was getting 
more crazy every day, and getting otliers in 
the same way, and that if I did not stop he 
wouhl send me back home or to the crazy- 
house. I questioned him closely respecting 
the state of his mind, feeling that he had been 
prejudiced. I did not attempt to contend with 
him on the danger and fallacy of his notions, 
but simply asked what his state of grace was, 
if God should require his soul of him then. 
He gave me no answer until I insisted upon 
one. Then lie said: "Julia, I don't think I 
can ever believe myself as holy as you think 
vou are." 

I then urcred him to believe in Christ's holi- 
ness, if he had no faith in the power of the 
blood of Christ to cleanse from all sin. He 



60 A BRAND PLUCKED 

that hath this- hope purifies himself as God is 
pure. We knelt in prayer together, my hus- 
band leading, and he seemed much afiected 
while praying. To me it was a precious sea- 
son, though there was an indescribable some- 
thing between us — something dark and high. 
As I looked at it, these words of the poet came 
to me : 

"God moves in a mj'sterious way, 
His wonders to perfoi-m." 

From that time I never beheld my hus- 
band's face clear and distinct, as before, the 
dark shadow being ever present. This caused 
me not a little anxiety and many prayers. 
Soon after, he accepted an offer to go to sea for 
six months, leaving me to draw half of his 
wages. To this arrangement I reluctantly 
consented, fully realizing how lonely I should 
be among strangers. Had it not been for dear 
" Mam" Riley, I could hardl}^ have endured it. 
Her precept and example taught me to lean 
more heavily on Christ for support. God gave 
me these precious words : " Be careful for noth- 
ing, but in everything, by prayer and suppli- 
cation, with thanksgiving, let your requests be 
made known unto God." Truly, God is the 
great Arbiter of all events, and " because he 
lives, I shall live also." 



FROM THE FIRE. 61 

Tlio day my ]iusl)and went on ship-board 
"svas one of close trial and great inward tempta- 
tion. It was difficult for me to mark the 
exact line between disai)probation and Chris- 
tian forbearance and patient love. How I 
longed for wisdom to meet everything in a 
spirit of. meekness and fear, that I might not 
be surprised into evil or hindered from improv- 
ing all things to the glory of God. 

While under this apparent cloud, I took the 
Bible to my closet, asking Divine aid. As I 
opened the book, my eyes fell on these words: 
''For thy ^laker is thine husband." I then 
read the fifty-fourth chapter of Isaiah over and 
over again. It seemed to me that I had never 
seen it before. I went forth glorifying God. 



62 A BRAND PLUCKED 



CHAPTER XVI. 

-^ 

% if ung-llo^t l|»I«J%1 4**"^^* 

Having no children, I had a good deal of 
leisure after my husband's departure, so I vis- 
ited many of the poor and forsaken ones, read- 
ing and talking to them of Jesus, tlie Saviour, 
One day I was directed by the Spirit to visit 
the Marine H^ospital. In passing through one 
of the wards I heard myself called by my 
maiden name. Going to the cot from w^hence 
the voice came, I beheld what seemed to me a 
human skeleton. As I looked I beo-an to see 
our family likeness, and recognized my eldest 
brother, who left home many years before, 
when I was quite young. Not hearing from 
him, we had mourned him as dead. With a 
feeble voice, he told me of his roving and sea- 
faring life; "and now, sister," he said, "I am 
dying." 

I asked him if he was willing to die— if he 
was ready to stand before God. " No, oh, no ! "' 
he said. 1 entreated him to pray. He shook 



liis li(>;nl, s;lyin^^ "I can't pray; my lieart in 
too IkuhI, aiul my mind dark and Ix-wildered," 
and then cried out, in the agony of his soul, 
"Oh, that dreadful, burning hell! how can I 
escape it?" 

T urged him to pray, and to believe that 
Jesus died for all. I i)rayed for him, and staid 
with him as much as possible. One morning, 
when I went to see him, I was shown his life- 
less remains in the dead-house. This was, 
indeed, a solemn time for me. 

I had very little hope in my brother's death. 
But there is an High Priest who ever liveth to 
make intercession for all, and I trust that he 
prevailed. The Lord is the Judge of all the 
earth, and all souls are in his hands, and he 
will in no wise clear the guilty, tiiough merci- 
ful and wise. Willful unbelief is a crying sin, 
and will not be passed by without punish- 
ment. God judges righteously, and is the 
avenger of all sin. Justice is meted out to 
all, either here or in eternity. Praise the 
Lord! My whole soul joins in saying, Praise 
the Lord! 

God, in great mercy, returned my husband 
to me in safety, for Avhich I bowed in great 
thankfulness. George told me that the ship 
was a poor ])lace to serve the Lord, and that 
the most he heard was oatlis. He said that 



«> 



64 A BRAND PLUCKED 

sometimes he would slip away and pray, and 
that, upon one occasion, the captain came upon 
him unawares, and called him "a fool,*' and 
told him to get up and go to work. Notwith- 
standing all this, my husband shipped for a 
second voyage. Praise the Lord ! he saved me 
from a painful feeling at parting. With joy 
could I say, " Thou everywhere-present God ! 
thy will be done." 

During the year I had been from home, let- 
ters from my parents and .friends had come to 
me quite often, filling me with gladness and 
thanksgiving for the many blessings and 
cheering words they contained. But now a 
letter came bringing the intelligence that my 
family were about to move to Silver Lake, 
which was much farther from me. I trem- 
blingly went to my heavenly Father, who 
gave me grace and strength at once. 



riioM Tin: it 1:1:. 65 



ClIAI^TKU XVll. 

For months I liad been moved upon to 
exhort and pray with the people, in my visits 
from liouse to house ; and in meetings my 
whole soul seemed drawn out for the salvation 
of souls. The love of Christ in me was not 
limited. Some of my mistaken friends said I 
was too forward, but a desire to work for the 
Master, and to promote the glory of his king- 
dom in the salvation of souls, was food to my 
poor soul. 

When called of God, on a particular occa- 
sion, to a definite work, I said, "Xo, Lord, not 
me." Day by day I was more impressed that 
God would have me work in his vineyard. I 
thought it could not be that I was called to 
preach — I, so weak and ignorant. Still, I 
knew all things were possible with God, even 
to confounding the wise l)y the foolish things 
of this earth. Yet in me there was a shrink- 
ing. 



66 A BRAND PLUCKED 

I took fill my doubts and fears to the Lord in 
prayer, when, what seemed to be an angel, 
made his appearance. In his hand was a 
scroll, on which were these words: "Thee 
have I chosen to preach my Gospel without 
delay." The moment my eyes saw it, it 
appeared to be printed on my heart. The 
angel was gone in an instant, and I, in agony, 
cried out, "Lord, I cannot do it!" It was 
eleven o'clock in the morning, yet everything 
grew dark as night. The darkness was so 
great that I feared to stir. 

At last "Mam" Riley entered. As she did 
so, the room grew lighter, and I arose from my 
knees. My heart was so heavy I scarce could 
speak. Dear " Mam " Riley saw my distress, 
and soon left me. 

From that day my appetite failed me and 
sleep fled from my eyes. I seemed as one 
tormented. I prayed, but felt no better. I 
belonged to a band of sisters whom I loved 
dearly, and to them I partially opened my 
mind. One of them seemed to understand my 
case at once, and advised me to do as God had 
bid me, or I would never be happy here or here- 
after. But it seemed too hard — I could not 
give up and obey. 

One night, as I lay weeping and beseeching 
the dear Lord to remove this burden from me. 



FKO.M ini: I'liii:. (h 

tlirro appoarod tlie saiuo angel that came to 
nio ])ef()ro, and on his breast were these words : 
" You are lost unless you obey God's righteous 
commands." I saw the writing, and that was 
enough. I covered my head and awoke my 
luisband, who had returned a few days before, 
lie asked me why I trembled so, but I had not 
power to answer him. I remained in tliat 
condition until morning, when I tried to arise 
and go about my usual duties, but was Ux) ill. 
Then my husband called a physician, who pre- 
scribed medicine, but it did me no good. 

I had always been opposed to the preaching 
of women, and had spoken against it, though, 
I acknowledge, without foundation. This rose 
before me like a mountain, and when I thought 
of the difficulties they had to encounter, both 
from professors and non-professors, I shrank 
back and cried, " Lord, I cannot go ! " 

The trouble my heavenly Father has had to 
keep me out of the fire that is never quenched, 
he alone knoweth. M}^ husbarKl and friends 
said I would die or go crazy if something 
favorable did not take place soon. I expected 
to die and be lost, knowing I had been enlight- 
ened and had tasted the heavenlv gift. I read 
again and again the sixth chapter of Hebrews. 



68 A BRAND PLUCKED 



CHAPTER XVIII. 

Nearly two months from the time I first 
saw the angel, I said that I would do anything 
or go anywhere for God, if it were made plain 
to me. He took me at my word, and sent the 
angel again with this message: "You have I 
chosen to go in my name and warn the people 
of their sins." I bowed my head and said, " I 
will go. Lord." 

That moment I felt a joy and peace I had 
not known for months. But strange as it may 
appear, it is not the less true, that, ere one 
hour had passed, I began to reason thus :"I am 
elected to preach the Gospel without the requi- 
site qualifications, and, besides, my parents 
and friends will forsake me and turn against 
me; and I regret that I made a promise." At 
that instant all the joy and peace I had felt 
left me, and I thought I was standing on the 
brink of hell, and heard the devil say: "Let 
her go ! let her go ! I will catch her." Reader, 



FROM TIIK FIIIK. ()f) 

can yon imagino liow I felt? If you were ever 
snatc'hetl from tin* muuth of hell, you can, in 
part, realize my feelings. 

I continued in this state for some time, 
when, on a Saljbath evening — ah! that memo- 
rahle Sabbath evening— while engaged in fer- 
vent prayer, the same supernatural presence 
came to me once more and took me bv the 
hand. At that moment I became lost to 
everything of this world. The angel led me 
to a place where there was a large tree, tiie 
branches of which seemed to extend either 
way beyond sight. Beneath it sat, as I thought, 
God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, 
besides many others, whom I thought were 
angels. I was led before them : they looked 
me over from head to foot, but said nothing. 
Finally, the Father said to me : " Before these 
people make your choice, whether you will 
obey me or go from this place to eternal misery 
and pain."' I answered not a word. He then 
took me by the band to lead me, as I thought, 
to hell, when I cried out, ''I will obey thee, 
Lord!" He tlien pointed my hand in differ- 
ent directions, and asked if T would go there. 
I replied, "Yes, Lord." He then led me, all 
the others following, till we came to a place 
where there was a great quantity of water, 
which looked like silver, where we made a 



70 A BEAND PLUCKED 

halt. My hand was given to Christ, who led 
me into the water and stripped me of my 
clothing, which at once vanished from sight. 
Christ then appeared to wash me, the water 
feeling quite warm. 

During this operation, all the others stood 
on the bank, looking on in profound silence. 
When the washing was ended, the sweetest 
music I had ever heard greeted my ears. We 
walked to the shore, where an angel stood with 
a clean, white robe, which the Father at once 
put on me. In an instant I appeared to be 
changed into an angel. The whole company 
looked at me with delight, and began to make 
a noise which I called shouting. We all 
marched back with music. When we reached 
the tree to which the angel first led me, it 
hung full of fruit, which I had not seen before. 
The Holy Ghost plucked some and gave me, 
and the rest helped themselves. We sat down 
and ate of the fruit, which had a taste like 
nothing I had ever tasted before. When we 
had finished, we all arose and gave another 
shout. Then God the Father said to me : 
'' You are now prepared, and must go where I 
have commanded you." I replied, "If I go, they 
will not believe me." Christ then appeared 
to write something with a golden pen and 
golden ink, upon golden paper. Then he 



ritOM Tni: fihk. 71 

rolUnl it up, and said to nie : '' Put tliis in.yonr 
bosom, and, wliorever you go, show it, and 
they will iviiow that I have sent you to })ro- 
ohiini salvation to all." He then put it into 
my bosom, and they all went witli me to a 
bright, shining gate, singing and shouting. 
Here they embraced me, and I found myself 
once more on earth. 

When I came to myself, I found that several 
friends had been with me all night, and my 
husband had called a physician, but he had 
not been al^le to do anything for me. He 
ordered those around me to keep very quiet, 
or to go home. He returned in the morning, 
wlien I told him, in part, my story. He seemed 
amazed, but made no answer, and left me. 

Several friends were in, daring the day. 
While talking to them, I would, without 
thinking, put my hand into my bosom, to 
show them my letter of authority. But I soon 
found, as my friends told me, it was in my 
heart, and wa^ to be shown in my life, instead 
of in my hand. Among others, my minister, 
Jehial C. Beman, came to see me. He looked 
very coldly upon me and said: "I guess you 
will find out your mistake before you are many 
months older.'' He was a scholar, and a fine 
speaker; and the sneering, indiilerent way in 
which he addressed me, said most plainly: 



72 A BRAND PLUCKED 

'^ You don't know anything." I replied : " My 
gifts are very small, I know, but I can no 
longer be shaken by what you or any one else 
may think or say." 



«~-<-'V2/2f^-§> ■^T^2/&l*.5,-J 



CHAPTER XIX. 

From this time the opposition to my life- 
work commenced, instigated by the minister, 
Mr. Beman. Many in the church were anx- 
ious to have me preach in the hall, where our 
meetings were held at that time, and were not 
a little astonished at the minister's cool treat- 
ment of me. At length two of the trustees got 
some of the elder sisters to call on the minister 
and ask him to let me preach. His answer 
was: "No; she can't preach her holiness stuff 
here, and I am astonished that you should ask 
it of me." The sisters said he seemed to be in 
quite a rage, although he said lie was not 
angry. 

There being no meeting of the society on 
Monday evening, a brother in the church 



FROM Tin; FIRE. 73 

opened liis house to me, that I niiglit preach, 
which displcasoil Mr. Bcniau very much. He 
appointed a committee to wait U})on the 
hictther and sister wlio had opened their doors 
to me, to tell them thev must not allow any 
more meetings of tliat kind, and tliat they 
must aV)ide by the rules of the cliurcli, niakin}.^ 
thum believe thev would be excommunicated 
if they disobeyed him. I happened to be 
present at this interview, and the committee 
remonstrated witli me for the course 1 had 
taken. I told them my business was with the 
Lord, and wherever I found a door opened I 
intended to go in and work for my Master. 

There was another meeting appointed at the 
same place, which I, of course, attended; after 
which the meetings were stopped for that 
time, though I held many more there after 
these people had withdrawn from Mr. Beman's 
church. 

I then held meetings in my own house; 
whereat the minister told the members that 
if they attended them he would deal with 
them, for they were breaking the rules of the 
church. When he found that I continued the 
meetings, and that the Lord was blessing my 
feeble efforts, he sent a committee of two to ask 
me if I considered myself a member of his 
church. 1 told them I did, and should con- 



74 A BRAND PLUCKED 

tinue to do so until I had done something 
worthy of dismembership. 

At this, Mr. Bemaii sent another committee 
with a note, asking me to meet him with the 
committee, wliich I did. He asked me a num- 
ber of questions, nearly all of which I have 
forgotten. One, however, I do remember: he 
asked if I was willing to comply with the 
rules of the discipline. To this I answered: 
" Not if the discipline prohibits me from doing 
what God has bidden me to do; I fear God 
more than man." Similar questions were 
asked and answered in the same manner. 
The committee said what they wished to say, 
and then told me I could go home. When I 
reached the door, I turned and said : " I now 
shake off the dust of my feet as a witness 
against you. See to it that this meeting does 
not rise in judgment against you." 

The next evening, one of the committee 
came to me and told me that I was no longer a 
member of the church, because I had violated 
the rules of the discipline by preaching. 

When this action became known, the people 
wondered how any one could be excommuni- 
cated for trying to do good. I did not say 
much, and my friends simply said I had done 
nothing but hold meetings. Others, anxious 
to know the particulars, asked the minister 



FKo.M tin: fire. . 75 

what flio tmiiblo was. lie told tliom lie had 
^nvcu luc i\w ])rivil('i2,o of speaking or ])r('ach- 
inu: as long as I chose, but that he could not 
give ine the right to use the pulpit, and that I 
was not satisfied with any other ])laoe. Also, 
that I had appointed meeting on the evening 
of his meetings, which was a thing no member 
hail a right to do. For these reasons he said 
he had turned me out of the church. 

Now, if the people who repeated this to me 
told the truth — and I have no doubt but they 
did— Mr. Bern an told an actual falsehood. I 
had never asked for his pulpit, but had toh.l 
him and others, repeatedly, that I did not care 
where I stood — any corner of the hall would 
do. To which M^;. Beman had answered: 
"You cannot have any place in the hall." 
TIk.mi I said : " Til preach in a private house." 
He answered me: "No, not in this place; I 
am stationed over all Boston." He was deter- 
mined I should not preach in the city of Bos- 
ton. To cover up his deceptive, unrighteous 
course toward me, he told the above false- 
hoods. 

From his statements, many erroneous stories 

concerning me gained credence with a large 

number of people. At that time, I thought it 

•my duty as well as privilege to address a letter 

to the Conference, which I took to them in 



7H . A BRAND PLUCKED 

person, stating all the facts. At the same 
time I told them it was not in the power of 
Mr. Beman, or any one else, to truthfully bring 
anything against my moral or religious char- 
acter—that my only offence was in trying to 
preach the Gospel of Christ— and that I cher- 
ished no ill feelings toward Mr. Beman or any 
one else, but that I desired the Conference to 
give tlie case an impartial hearing, and then 
give me a written statement expressive of 
their opinion. I also said I considered myself 
a member of the Conference, and should do so 
until they said I was not, and gave me their 
reasons, that I might let the world know what 
my offence had been. 

My letter was slightingly noticed, and then 
thrown under the table. Why should they 
notice it? It was only the grievance of a 
woman, and there was no justice meted out to 
^.,: women in those days. Even ministers of 

Christ did not feel that women had any rights 
which they were bound to respect. 



FKUM THE riiiE. 77 



CHAPTER XX. 

Thirty years ago there could scarcely a per- 
son be found, in the churches, to sympathize 
with any one who talked of Holiness. But, in 
my simplicity, I did think that a body of 
Christian ministers would understand my case 
and judge righteousl3\ I was, however, dis- 
appointed. 

It is no little thing to feel that every man's 
hand is against us, and ours against every 
man, as seemed to be the case with me at this 
time; yet how precious, if Jesus but be with 
us. In this severe trial I had constant access 
to God, and a clear consciousness that he heard 
me ; yet I did not seem to have that plenitude 
of the Spirit that I had before. I realized 
most keenly that the closer the communion 
that may have existed, the keener the suffer- 
in«]j of the slightest departure from God. 
Unbroken communion can only be retained 
by a constant application of the blood which 
cleanseth. 



78 A BRAND PLUCKED 

Though I did not wish to pain anyone, nei- 
ther could I please any one only as I was led 
by the Holy Spirit. I saw, as never before, 
that the best men were liable to err, and that 
tlie only safe way was to fall on Christ, even 
though censure and reproach fell upon me for 
obeying his voice. Man's opinion weighed 
nothing with me, for my commission was from 
heaven, and my reward was with the Most 
High, 

T could not believe that it was a short-lived 
impulse or spasmodic influence that impelled 
me to preach. I read that on the day of Pen- 
tecost was the Scripture fulfilled as found in 
Joel ii. 28, 29; and it certainly will not be 
denied that women as well as men were at 
that time filled with the Holy Ghost, because 
it is expressly stated that women were among 
those who continued in prayer and supplica- 
tion, waiting for the fulfillment of the promise. 
Women and men are classed together, and if 
the power to preach the Gospel is short-lived 
and spasmodic in the case of women, it must 
be equally so in that of men; and if women 
have lost the gift of prophecy, so have men. 

We are sometimes told that if a woman pre- 
tends to a Divine call, and thereon grounds the 
right to plead the cause of a crucified Redeemer 
in public, she will be believed when she shows 



FROM niK iiiii:. 70 

rrodentials from liciivcn ; tliat is, wlion sho 
works a miracle. If it bo necessary to prove 
one's right to preach thi^ CJospel, I ask of my 
brethren to show me their cretlentiab'^, or 1 can 
not believe in the propriety of their ministry. 

But the Bibh' puts an end to this strife when 
it says : " There is neither male nor female in 
Christ Jesus." Philip had four daughters that 
prophesied, or preached. Paul called Priscilla, 
as well as Aquila, his "helper," or, as in the 
Greek, his "fellow-laborer." Rom. xv. 3; 2 
Cor. viii. 23; Phil. ii. 5; 1 Thess. iii. 2. The 
same word, which, in our common translation, 
is now rendered a "servant of the church," in 
speaking of Phebe (Rom. xix. 1.), is rendered 
"minister" when applied to Tychicus. Eph. 
vi. 21. When Paul said, " Help those women 
who labor with me in the Gospel," he certainly 
meant that they did more than to pour out tea. 
In the eleventh chapter of First Corinthians 
Paul gives directions, to men and women, how 
they should appear when they prophesy or 
pray in public assemblies; and he defines 
prophesying to be speaking to edification, 
exhortation and comfort. 

T may further remark that the conduct of 
holy women is recorded in Scripture as an 
example to others of their sex. And in the 
early ages of Christianity many women were 



80 A BRAND FLUCKED 

happy and glorious in martyrdom. How nobly, 
how heroically, too, in later ages, have women 
suffered persecution and death for the name of 
the Lord Jesus. 

In looking over these facts, I could see no 
miracle wrought for those women more than 
in myself 

Though opposed, I went forth laboring fca* 
God, and he owned and blessed my labors, and 
has done so wherever I have been until this 
day. And while I walk obediently, I know 
he will, though hell may rage and vent its 
spite. 



FROM Tin: riKE. 81 



CIL\PTER XXL 

As T left the Conference, God wonderfully 
filled my heart with his love, sq^ that, as I 
passed from place to place, meeting one and 
another of the ministers, my heart went out 
in love to each of them as though he had been 
my father; and the language of 1 Pet. i. 7, 
came forcibly to my mind: "The trial of our 
faith is much more precious than of gold that 
j)erisheth, thougli it be tried by fire." Fiery 
trials are not strange things to the Lord's 
anointed. The rejoicing in them is born only 
of the Holy Spirit. Oh, praise his holy name 
for a circumcised heart, teaching us that each 
trial of our faith hath its commission from the 
Father of spirits. Each wave of trial bears 
the Galilean Pilot on its crest. Listen: his 
voice is in the storm, and winds and waves 
obey that voice: "It is I ; be not afraid." He 
has promised us help and safety in the fires, 
and not escape from them. 



82 A BRAND PLUCKED 

"And hereby we know that he abideth in 
us, by the Spirit which he hath given us." 1 
John iii. 24. Glory to the Lamb for the wit- 
ness of the Holy Spirit! He knoweth that 
every step I have taken has been for the glory 
of God and the good of souls. However much 
I may have erred in judgment, it has been the 
fault of my head and not of my heart. I sleep, 
but my heart waketh ; bless the Lord. 

Had this opposition come from the world, it 
would have seemed as nothing. But coming, 
as it did, from those who had been much 
blessed — blessed with me — and who had once 
been friends of mine, it touched a tender spot; 
and had it not been for the precious blood of 
Jesus, I should have been lost. 

While in Philadelphia, attending the Con- 
ference, I became acquainted with three sis- 
ters who believed they were called to public 
labors in their Master's vineyard. But they 
had been so opposed, they were very much dis- 
tressed and shrank from their duty. One of 
them professed sanctification. They had met 
with more opposition from ministers than 
from any one else. 

After the Conference had adjourned, I pro- 
posed to these sisters to procure a place and 
hold a series of meetings. They were pleased 
with the idea, and were willing to help if I 



FROM rilK KIRK. 83 

would take charge of the meetings. They 
a])preheiKled some difficulty, as there had 
never been a meeting there under the sole 
charge of women. The language of my heart 
was : 

"Only Thou my Leader be 
And I still will follow Thee." 

Trusting in my Leader, I went on with the 
work. I hired a large place in Canal street, 
and there we opened our meetings, which con- 
tinued eleven nights, and over one Sabbath. 
The room was crowded every night — some 
coming to receive good, others to criticise, 
sneer, and say hard things against us. 

One of the sisters left us after a day or two, 
fearing that the Church to which she belonged 
would disown her if she continued to assist us. 
We regretted this very much, but could only 
say, "An enemy hath done this." 

These meetings were a time of refreshing 
from the presence of the Lord. Many were 
converted, and a few stepped into the fountain 
of cleansing. 

Some of the ministers, who remained in the 
city after the Conference, attended our meet- 
ings, and occasionally asked us if we were 
organizing a new Conference, with a view of 
drawing out from the churches. This was 
simply to ridicule our meeting. 



84 A BRAND PLUCKED 

We closed with a love-feast, which caused 
such a stir among the ministers and many of 
the church-members, that we could not imag- 
ine what the end would be. They seemed to 
think we had well nigh committed the unpar- 
donable sin. 



r-«-'^'2/^-|>-(|-=^2A'!'-»— » 



CHAPTER XXII. 

Some of the dear sisters accompanied me to 
Flatbush, where I assisted in a bush meeting. 
The Lord met the people in great power, and I 
doubt not there are many souls in glory to-day 
praising God for that meeting. 

From that place I went home to my father's 
house in Binghamton, N. Y. They w^ere filled 
with joy to have me with them once more, 
after an absence of six years. As my mother 
embraced me, she exclaimed: "So you are a 
preacher, are you ? " I replied : " So they say." 
" Well, Julia," said she, " when I first heard 
that you were a preacher, I said that I would 
rather hear you were dead." These words, 



FROM Tin: I'iKi:. 85 

cominc: so unexpectedly from my mother, 
TiIIimI nio with iinguisli. W'ns I to meet oppo- 
sition here, too? But my mother, with stre;im- 
ing eyes, continued: '' My dear daughter, it is 
all past now. I have heard from those who 
have attendi.'d your meetings what the Lord 
has done for you, and I am satisfied." 

My stay in Binghamton was protracted sev- 
eral months. I held meetings in and around 
the town, to the acceptance of the people, and, 
1 trust, to the glory of God. I felt perfectly 
satisfied, when the time came for me to leave, 
tliat my w^ork was all for the Lord, and my 
soul was filled wath joy and thankfulness for 
salvation. Before leaving, my parents decided 
to move to Boston, which they did soon after. 

I left Binghamton the first of February, 
1855, in companv with the Rev. Henry John- 
son and his wife, for Ithaca, N. Y., where I 
labored a short time. I met with some oppo 
sition from one of the A. M. E. Church trustees. 
He said a woman should not preach in the 
church. Beloved, the God we serve fights all 
our battles, and before I left the place that 
trustee was one of the most faithful at my 
meetings, and was very kind to assist me on 
my journey when T left Ithaca. I stopped one 
night at Owego, at Brother Loyd's, and I also 
stopped for a short time at Onondaga, returned 



86 A BRAND TLUCKED 

to Ithaca on the 14th of February, and staid 
until the 7th of March, during which time 
the work of grace was greatly revived. Some 
believed and entered into the rest of full sal- 
vation, many were converted, and a number of 
backsliders were reclaimed. I held prayer- 
meetings from house to house. The sisters 
formed a woman's prayer-meeting, and the 
whole church seemed to be working in unison 
for Christ. 

March 7th I took the stage for Geneva, and, 
arriving late at night, went to a hotel. In 
the morning Brother Rosel Jeffrey took me to 
his house and left me with his wife. He was a 
zealous Christian, but she scoffed at religion, 
and laughed and made sport during family 
worship. I do not know, but hope that long 
ere this she has ceased to ridicule the cause or 
the followers of Christ. In the latter part of 
the day Brother Condell came and invited me 
to his house. I found his wife a pleasant 
Christian woman. Sabbath afternoon I held a 
meeting in Brother Condell's house. The col- 
ored people had a church which the whites 
had given them. It was a union church, to be 
occupied on alternate Sundays by the Method- 
ists and Baptists. 

According to arrangement, this Sunday 
evening was the time for the Methodists to 



FiiOM 11 u; I I UK. 87- 

occupy the church. The licv. Dii\vs(;y, of Can- 
andaigua, came to fill his appointment, but, 
when W(^ arrived at the cluircli, the Baptist 
minister, William IVIonroe, objected to our 
holding a meeting in the house that evening, 
and his members joined with him in his 
ini'-hristian course. Rather than have any 
trouble, we returned to Brotlier Condell's 
house. The minister preached and I followed 
with a short exhortation. The Lord wa.s pres- 
ent to bless. They made an appointment for 
me to preach at the union meeting-house on 
the following Tuesday evening. 

Monday evening I went with some of the 
sisters to the church, where there was a meet- 
ing for the purpose of forming a moral reform 
society. 

After the meeting, Brother Condell asked 
the trustees if they had any objection to hav- 
ing me speak in the church the next evening. 
To this, Minister Monroe and another man — I 
had almost said a fiend in human shape — 
answered that they did not believe in women's 
preaching, and would not admit one in the 
church, striving hard to justify themselves 
from the Bible, which one of them held in his 
unholy hands. 

I arose to speak, when Mr. ^Fonroe inter- 
rupted me. After a few words I left the house. 



88 A BRAND PLUCKED 

The next afternoon, while taking tea at the 
house of one of the sisters, Minister Monroe 
came in to tell me he heard that our brethren 
had said they would have the church for me if 
they had to " shed blood." He asked me if I 
wanted to have anything to do with a fight of 
that kind. I replied: "The weapons with 
which I fight are not carnal, and, if I go to 
a place and am invited to use the weapons 
God has given me, I must use them to his 
glory." 

" Well," said.he, " I shall be in the pulpit at 
an early hour, and will not leave it though 
they break my head." 

" Mr. Monroe," said I, " God can take you 
from the pulpit without breaking your head." 
At this he became very much excited, and 
raved as if he were a madman. For two hours 
he walked the floor, talking and reading all 
the time. I made him no reply and tried not 
to notice him, and finally he left me. 

At the proper time we went to the church. 
It was full, but everything was in confusion. 
Mr. Monroe was in the pulpit. I saw at once 
that God could not be glorified in the midst of 
such a pandemonium; so I withdrew at once. 
I was told they kept up the contention until 
after ten o'clock. Mr. Monroe tried hard to 
get our trustees to say I should not preach in 



FROM Tin: kii:k. >^0 

the plaoo, Init thoy would give liim no sucli 
promise. 

As I was oblifired to leave in a few davs, to 
meet other apjx)intnients, our men procured a 
hirge house, where I held a meeting the next 
evening. All that attended were quiet and 
orderly ; one man arose for prayers. 

Dear sisters, wlio are in the evangelistic 
work now, vou mav think vou have hard 
times; but let me tell you, I feel that the lion 
and lamb are lying down together, as com- 
pared with the state of things twenty-five or 
thirty years ago. Yes, yes; our God is march- 
ing on. Glory to his name 1 



90 A BRAND PLUCKED 



CHAPTER XXIII. 

I REACHED Rochester on the 16th of March, 
where I remained three weeks, laboring con- 
stantly for my Master, who rewarded me in 
the salvation of souls. Here God visited me 
after the same manner he did Elijah, when 
Elijah prayed to die. He strengthened me 
' and bid me go forward with the promises 
recorded in the first chapter of Joshua. 

April 21st I bade good-bye to Brother John 
H. Bishop's people, who had entertained me 
while in Rochester, and went to Binghamton 
to visit my parents again. I found them all 
well, and labored constantly for the Lord while 
I was there. I remained at home until the 
8th of May, when I once more started out on 
my travels for the Lord. There was but one 
passenger in the stage besides myself. He 
gave his name as White, seemed very uneasy, 
and, at each stopping place, he would say : " I 
am afraid the public will take me for an aboli- 



l-KO^I rill. 1 IKK. 01 

tionist to-day ;'' thus showing his dark, shive- 
hoklinp; principles. 

1 staid one niijht in Oxford, at Mr. Jack- 
son's. At six o'clock the next morning I took 
passage on the canal packet ''Governor Sew- 
ard," witli Captain George Keeler. That night, 
at a late hour, I made my wav into the ladies' 
cabin, and, linding an empty berth, retired. 
Jn a short time a man came into the cabin, 
saying that the berths in the gentlemen's 
cabin were all occupied, and he was going to 
sleep in the ladies' cabin. Then he pointed 
to me and said: "That nigger has no business 
here. My family are coming on board the 
boat at Utica, and they shall not come where a 
nigger is." They called the captain, and he 
ordered me to get up; but I did not stir, think- 
ing it best not to leave the bed except by force. 
Finally they left me, and the man found lodg- 
ing among the seamen, swearing vengeance on 
the "niggers." 

The next night the boat stopped at a vil- 
lage, and the captain procured lodging for me 
at an inn. Thus I escaped further abuse from 
that ungodly man. 

The second night we reached Utica, where I 
staid over Sunday. Then I went to Schenec- 
tady, where I remained a few days, working for 
my Master. Then I went to Albany, my old 



92 A BPvAND PLUCKED 

home. Sunday afternoon I preached in Troy, 
and that Sunday evening in Albany, to a 
crowded house. There were many of my old 
friends and acquaintances in the audience. 
This was the most solemn and interesting 
meeting I ever held. The entire audience 
seemed moved to prayer and tears by the 
power of the Holy Ghost. 

On May 21st I went to New York. During 
the year that followed I visited too large a 
number of places to mention in this little 
work. 

I went from Philadelphia in company with 
thirty ministers and Bishop Brown, to attend 
the General Conference, which was held in 
Pittsburgh, Pa. The ministers chartered the 
conveyance, and we had a very pleasant and 
interesting journey. The discussions during 
the day and meetings at night, on the canal 
boat, were instructive and entertaining. A 
very dear sister, Ann M. Johnson, accom- 
panied me. The grand, romantic scenery, 
which I beheld while crossing the Alleghany 
mountains, filled me with adoration and praise 
to the great Creator of all things. We reached 
Pittsburgh on the 4th of June, and the Gen- 
eral Conference of the A. M. E. Church con- 
vened on the 6th of June. The Conference 



FROM Tin: run:. 93 

lasted two weeks, and was held with open 
doors. 

The business common to such meetings was 
transacted with spirit and harmony, with few 
exceptions. One was, a motion to prevent 
Free Masons from ministering in the churches. 
Another, to aUow all the women preachers to 
become members of the conferences. This 
caused quite a sensation, bringing many mem- 
bers to their feet at once. They all talked and 
screamed to the bishop, who could scarcely 
keep order. The Conference was so incensed 
at the brother who offered the petition that 
they threatened to take action against him. 

I remained several weeks, laboring among 
the people, much to the comfort of my own 
soul, and, I humbly trust, to the upbuilding of 
my dear Master's kingdom. I found the peo- 
ple very kind and benevolent. 



94 A BRAND PLUCKED 



CHAPTER XXIV. 

From Pittsburgh I went to Cincinnati, where 
I found a large number of colored people of dif- 
ferent denominations. The Methodists had a 
very good meeting-house on Sixth street, below 
Broad street. The members appeared to enjoy 
religion, but w^ere verj^ much like the world in 
their external appearance and cold indifference 
toward each other. 

The station and circuit joined in holding a 
camp-meeting. The minister urged me very 
strongly to attend, which I did. Several souls 
professed faith in Christ at this meeting, but 
only one was willing to receive him in all his 
fullness. 

After this meeting I labored in quite a num- 
ber of places in Ohio. At some places I was 
kindly received, at others I was not allowed to 
labor publicly. 

While thus laboring far from home, the sad 
intelligence of my husband's death came to me 



FKOM Tfli; I'IKK. 05 

SO suddenly as to almost cause mc to siuk 
IxMU'ath the blow. JUit tlie arm of my di^ar, 
lovinir, heavenly Father sustaincnl nie, and 1 
was enabled to say: " Thou<^h lie slay me, yet 
will 1 trust in him." I immediately hastened 
home to Boston, wliere I learned the particu- 
lars of my liusband's death, which occurred on 
shii)-board several months before. None but 
the dear Lord knew what my feelings were. I 
dared not complain, and thus cast contempt on 
my blessed Saviour, for I knew he would not 
lay more upon me than I could Ijcar. He 
knows how to deliver the godly out of tempta- 
tion and affliction; all events belong to liim. 
All we have to be careful for is, to know of a 
truth that Christ is formed in our hearts the 
hope of glory, and hath set up his kingdom 
there, to reign over every aflfection and desire. 
Glory to the Lamb, who giveth me power thus 
to live ! 

After arranging my aflliirs at home, I went 
to Albany, where my sister lived, staid a short 
time with her, and held some meetings there. 
Then I went to Bethlehem, where I held sev- 
eral meetings, one in the M. E. Church, which 
was arranged only after there liad been con- 
siderable (controversy about letting a woman 
preach in their house. From there I went to 
Troy, where I also held meetings. In e^ich of 



96 A BRAND PLUCKED 

these places this "brand plucked from the 
burning" was used of God to his gior}^ in 
saving precious souls. To his name be all the 
glory ! 

I spent one Sunday in Poughkeepsie, work- 
ing for Jesus. I then went to New York, 
where I took the boat for Boston. We w^ere 
detained some hours by one of the shafts 
breaking. I took a very severe cold by being 
compelled to sit on deck all night, in the cold, 
damp air — prejudice not permitting one of my 
color to enter the cabin except in the capacity 
of a servant. Prejudice ! thou cruel mon- 
ster! wilt thou ever cease to exist? Not until 
all shall know the Lord, and holiness shall be 
written upon the bells of the horses — upon all 
things in earth as well as in heaven. Glory 
to the Lamb, whose right it is to reign! 

Upon my arrival home I found my father 
quite ill. He was sick for several months, and 
I remained at home until after his death, which 
event took place in May, 1849. He bore his 
long, painful illness with Christian patience 
and resignation. Just before leaving us for 
the better world, he called each of his children 
that were present to his bedside, exhorting 
them to live here in such a manner that they 
might meet him in heaven. To me he said : 
" My dear daughter, be faithful to your heav- 



FKOM 11 1 1; II Ki:. 117 

only ralliiip;^ and Ibar nut to preanli full salva- 
tion." After j?omc precious words to his wcf"))- 
inj; wife, my dear fath(M' was taken to his eter- 
nal rest. J>less (he Lord, () my soul, for an 
earnest, Christian father! Reader, I trust it is 
your lot to have faithful, heli(;ving parents. 



r-«-'n/2jS>§> -Cj-^^S/Ja--^— » 



CHAPTER XXV. 

♦ ♦ « « 

^ork ii|^ Xl'";'*'"!» il^^^»i<l?* 

June 18th, 1<S49, T hade my motlier and family 
farewell, and started out on my mission agiin. 
I stopped in Now York, where I was joined by 
Sister Ann M. .John-on, who became my trav- 
eling companion. We went to Philadelphia, 
where we were entertained by Brother and 
Sister Lee. The dear, kind friends welcomed 
us warmly. Sister Johnson did not feel moved 
to labor in public, except to sing, pray, and 
recount her experience. I hibored constantly 
while in this city, going from church to 
church. 

On the 28th we went to Snow Hill, where 
we spent one Sunday. We visited Fethers- 
(7) 



98 A BRAND PLUCKED 

ville, Bordentown, Westchester and Westtown, 
all to the glory of God. I must say, the dear 
Holy Spirit wonderfully visited the people in 
all these places. Many were converted, and, 
now and then, one would step into the foun- 
tain of cleansing. 

July 20th we left for New York, stopping 
at Burlington, Trenton, Princeton, Rahway, 
Brunswick and Newark. In each of these 
places we spent several days, much to our com- 
fort and the apparent good of the churches. 
We arrived in New York city August 3d, and 
went to Bridgeport (Conn.) by boat. We 
found the church there in a very unsettled 
condition because of unbelief. We next went 
to New Haven, where we had some precious 
meetings. In Providence, R. L, we also received 
God's blessing on our labors. 

At this tiuie I received a pressing invitation 
from Rev. Daniel A. Paine, who is now bishop 
of the A. M. E. Church, to visit Baltimore, 
which I accepted. Upon our arrival there we 
were closely questioned as to our freedom, and 
carefully examined for marks on our persons 
by which to identify us if we should prove to 
be runaways. While there, a daughter of the 
lady with whom we boarded ran away from 
her self-styled master. He came, with others, 
to her mother's house at midnight, burst in 



ruOM Tin: riiiK. 00 

the door without ceremony, and swore the girl 
was hill in the house, and that he wouhl liavc 
her, dead or alive. They repeated this for 
several nights. Tliey often came to our hid 
and h(dd their light in our faces, to see if the 
one for whom they were looking was not witli 
us. The mother was, of course, in great dis- 
tress. I believe they never recovered the girl. 
Thank the dear Lord we do not have to sutler 
such indignities now, though the monster, 
Slavery, is not yet dead in all its forms. 

We remained some time in Baltimore, labor- 
ing mostly in Brother Paine's charge. We 
then went to Washington, D. C, where our 
Conference was in session. The meetings were 
excellent, and great good was being done, 
when an incident occurred which cast a gloom 
over the whole Conference. One day, when a 
number of the ministers. Sister Johnson and 
myself, were dining at the house of one of the 
brethren, a slaveholder came and searched the 
house for a runaway. We realized more and 
more what a terrible thing it was for one 
liuman being to have absolute control over 
anotlier. 

We remained in Washington a f(>w weeks, 
laboring for Christ. Although, at the time, it 
seemed as though Satan ruled there supreme, 
God gave us to know that his risrhteousness 



100 A BRAND rLUCKED 

was being set up in many hearts. Glory to 
his excellent name. 

The larger portion of the past year had been 
a time of close trial, yet I do not recollect ever 
closing a year more fully in Christ than I did 
that one. On taking a retrospective view of 
it, I found vjQiit cause for humiliation as well 
as thankfulness. I vras satisfied with the 
Lord's dealings with me; my mind was kept 
in peace, while many had declined on the 
right hand and on the left; I was thankful 
that any were spared to bear the standard of 
the Redeemer. 

Since I first entered the vineyard of my 
divine Master, I have seen many a star fall, 
and many a shining light go out and sink 
into darkness. Many, who have been singu- 
larly owned and blessed of God, have deserted 
his standard in the day of trial ; yet, through 
his abounding grace, have I been kept. Glory 
be to the keeping power of the blood that 
cleanseth me, even me, from all sin! 



KKOM Tin: iii:i;. 1"1 



CllAlTEIl XXVL 

In Juno, 1850, I crossed tlie AUegliany 
mountains the second time. 1 was very sick 
on tlie journey, and on ai-rivinsi; in Pitts- 
burgh, was not able to sit up. Finding nie in 
a raging fever, my friends caUed in a physi- 
cian, and, as I continued to grow worse, 
another one. For three weeks my life was 
despaired of; and finally, on beginning to 
recover, it was many months before I felt 
quite welL In this severe affliction grace 
wonderfully sustained me. Bless the Lord! 

I was advised to go down the Ohio river for 
the benefit of my health. Therefore, as soon 
as I was able to do so, I started for Cincinnati. 
I staid there several weeks with some friends 
by the name of Jones. The Lord so strength- 
ened me, that, in a few months, I w^as able to 
resume my labors. 

In October we went to Columbus. We 
labored there and in that vicinity for some 



A 



102 A BRAND PLUCKED 

time, content that in our protracted effort 
quite a number were converted. There were 
three persons there who said they had once 
enjoyed the blessing of sanctification, but 
were not then clear in the experience. Oh, 
how few are advocates for full salvation ! 
Some will hold the whole truth in profession 
when and where it is not opposed, but, if they 
must become fools for the truth's sake, they 
compromise with error. Such have not and 
will not come to the perfect rest and inherit- 
ance of the saints on earth. 

In April, 1851, we visited Chillicothe, and 
had some glorious meetings there. Great 
crowds attended every night, and the altar 
was crowded with anxious inquirers. Some 
of the deacons of the white people's Baptist 
church invited me to preach in their church, 
but I declined to do so, on account of the oppo- 
sition of the pastor, who was very much set 
against women's preaching. He said so much 
against it, and against the members who 
wished me to preach, that they called a 
church meeting, and I heard that they finally 
dismissed him. 

The white Methodists invited me to speak 
for them, but did not want the colored people 
to attend the meeting. I would not agree to 
any such arrangement, and, therefore, I did 



I'lroM Tin: iii:i:. 10!) 

n(jt speak for tlu'in. Prcjudic*' had closed tlio 
door ot" tlu'ir sanctuary aizainst tlio colored 
peoplfj of till) i)lace, virtually sayin«^: " Tlio 
Gospel shall not be free to all." Our heni^'U 
Master and Saviour said: ''Go, preach my Gos- 
pel to all." 

We visited Zanesville, Ohio, laboring for 
white and colored people. The white Method- 
ists oj)ened tlieir house for the admission of 
colored people for the first time. Hundreds 
were turned away at each meeting, unable to 
get in; and, although the house wassocrowded, 
perfect order prevailed. We also held meet- 
ings on the other side of the river. God the 
Holy Ghost was powerfully manifest in all 
these meetings. I v/as the recipient of many 
mercies, and passed through various exercises. 
In all of them I could trace the hand of God 
and claim divine assistance whenever I most 
needed it. Whatever T needed, by faith I had. 
Glory! glory!! While God lives, and Jesus 
sits on his right hand, nothing shall be impos- 
sible unto me, if I hold fast faith with a pure 
conscience. 

On the 27th we went to Detroit, Wwh. On 
the way. Sister Johnson had a very severe 
attack of ague, which lasted for several weeks. 
My soul had great liberty for God while labor- 
ing in this place. 



104 A BRAND PLUCKED 

One day, quite an influential man in the 
community, though a sinner, called on me and 
appeared deeply concerned about his soul's 
welfare. He urged me to speak from Micah 
iv. 13: "Arise and thresh, daughter of Zion," 
etc. I took his desire to the Lord, and was 
permitted to speak from that passage after this 
manner : 710 B. C. corn was threshed among 
the Orientals by means of oxen or horses, 
which were driven round an area filled with 
loose sheaves. B}^ their continued tramping 
the corn was separated from the straw. That 
this might be done the more effectually, the 
text promised an addition to the natural horny 
substance on the feet of these animals, by 
making the horn iron and the hoof brass. 

Corn is not threshed in this manner by us, 
but by means of flails, so that I feel I am 
doing no injury to the sentiment of the text 
by changing a few of the terms into those 
which are the most familiar to us now. The 
passage portrays the Gospel times, though in a 
more restricted sense it applies to the preach- 
ers of the word. Yet it has a direct reference 
to all God's people, who were and are com- 
manded to arise and thresh. Glory to Jesus! 
now is this prophecy fulfilled — Joel ii. 28 and 
29. They are also commanded to go to God, 
who alone is able to qualify them for their 



FitOM Tin: kii:k. 105 

labors by making their liorns iron and their 
hoofs brass. The Lord was desirous of impart- 
ing stability and lu'rpetuity to his own divine 
work, by granting sii})i'rnatural aid to the 
faithful that they might perf(jrm for lii\n 
those services for which their own feeble and 
unassisted powers were totally inadequate. 
More than this, it is eneouraging to the 
saints to know that they are provided with 
weapons both offensive and defensive. 

The threshing instrument is of the former 
description. Tt is of tlie same quality as that 
which is quick and powerful and sharper than 
any two-edged sword. "For this purpose the 
8on of God was manifested, that he might 
destroy the works of the devil," and this is 
one of the weapons which he employs in the 
hands of his people to carry his gracious 
designs into execution, together with the 
promise that they shall beat in pieces many 
people. Isa. xxiii. 18; Ix. 6-9. 

There are many instances of the successful 
application of tlie Gospel flail, by which 
means the devil is threshed out of sinners. 
With the help of God. I am resolved, O sinner, 
to try what effect tlie smart strokes of this 
threshing instrument will produce on thy 
unhumbled soul. This is called the sword of 
the Spirit, and is in reality the word of God. 



106 ' A BRAND PLUCKED 

Such a weapon may seem contemptible in the 
eyes of the natural man; yet, when it is pow- 
erfully wielded, the consequences are invaria- 
bly potent and salutary. Bless God! the Reve- 
lator says : " They overcame by the blood of 
the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; 
and they loved not their lives unto the death." 
The atonement is the greatest weapon. In 
making trial of its efficacy, little children 
have caused the parent to cry aloud for mercy; 
but, in every case, much of its heavenly charm 
and virtue depends upon the mode in which it 
is applied. 

This Gospel flail should be lifted up in a 
kind and loving spirit. Many shrink at sight 
of the flail, and some of us know, by blessed 
experience, that when its smart strokes are 
applied in the power and demonstration of the 
Holy Spirit, it causes the very heart to feel 
sore and painful. Penitent soul, receive the 
castigation, and you will feel, after it, like 
saying : " Now let me be crucified, and this 
work of the devil, inbred sin, put to death, 
that Christ may live and reign in me without 
a rival." 

To the glory of God I wish to say, that the 
unconverted man, who gave me the text for 
the above discourse, gave his heart to God, 
together with many others, before we left 



FROM TIIK riRK. 107 

Detroit. In aftor years T was informed of his 
happy death. Praise the Lord for full and 
free salvatioii! Reader, have you this salva- 
tion — an ever-llowini^ fountain — in your soul? 
God grant it. Anicn I 



r-A-'vi/Z^^ <^r,'a/*a^>-~» 



CHAPTER XXVII. 

In June, 1851, we "went to Canada, where we 
were kindly received. We labored in different 
churches with great success. We found many 
living Christians there — some holding high 
the light of full salvation, and others willing 
to be cleansed. After spending a few weeks 
there, we crossed to Buffalo, but did not make 
anv stay there at that time. 

The places visited during that year are too 
numerous to mention here. Suffice it to say, 
the great Head of the Church went before us, 
clearing the way and giving us unmistakable 
evidence of his presence in every battle. Hal- 
lelujah ! 



108 A BRAND PLUCKED 

We returned to Columbus to fill an appoint- 
ment which was awaiting us. After this, we 
made arrangements to go to Cleveland. One 
of the brethren engaged our passage and paid 
the fare, but we were not permitted to leave 
until four days afterward. At that time a col- 
ored person Avas not allowed to ride in the 
stage if any white passenger objected to it. 
There were objections made for three morn- 
ings, but, on the fourth, the stage called for us, 
and we had a safe journey to Cleveland. We 
expected to make a visit only, as in other 
cities; but the All-Father intended otherwise, 
and, more than twenty years ago, Cleveland 
became my home. After settling down, we 
still continued to visit neighboring cities and 
labor for Christ. 

It was about this time that I became 
afflicted with the throat difficulty, of which I 
shall speak later. Beloved, the dear Lord only 
knows how sorely I was tried and tempted 
over this affliction. 

St. James speaks of temptations as being 
common to the most holy of men, and also as a 
matter of joy and rejoicing to such as are exer- 
cised thereby, if so be they are not overcome 
by them. I think all temptation has a tend- 
ency to sin, but all temptation is not sin. 
There is a diversity of temptations, and a 



ri:nM riiK niii:. IH!) 

diversity of causes from wliicli tpni])tati()ns 
proceed. Some come immediately from our 
corriH)t nature, and are in themselves ninful. 
Others arise; from the infirmity of onr nature, 
and these every Christian has to contend with 
so long as he sojourns in a tabernacle of 
clay. There are also temptations which come 
directly from the enemy of souls. These our 
Idessed Lord severely labored under, and so do 
the majority of his children. " Blessed is the 
man that endureth temptation" ! 

During the years that I rested from my 
labors and tried to recover my health, God 
permitted me to pass through the furnace of 
trial, heated seven times hotter than usual. 
Had not the three-one God been with me, I 
surely must liave gone beneath the waves. 
God permits afliictions and persecutions to 
come upon his chosen people to answer various 
ends. Sometimes for the trial of their faith, 
and the exercise of their patience and resigna- 
tion to his will, and sometimes to draw them 
ofi' from all human dependence, and t« teach 
them to trust in Him alone. Sometimes he 
suffers the wicked to go a great way, and the 
unsrodlv to triumi)h over us, that he may 
prove our steadfastness and make manifest his 
power in upholding us. Thus it was with me. 
I had trusted too much in human wisdom, and 



110 A BRAND PLUCKED 

God suffered all these things to come upon me. 
He upheld me by his grace, freeing me from 
all care or concern about my health or what 
man could do. He taught me to sit patiently, 
and wait to hear my Shepherd's voice ; for I 
was resolved to follow no stranger, however 
plausibly he might plead. 

I shall praise God through all eternity for 
sending me to Cleveland, even though I have 
been called to suffer. 

In 1856, Sister Johnson, who had been my 
companion during all these years of travel, 
left me for her heavenly home. She bore her 
short illness without a murmur, resting on 
Jesus. As she had lived, so she died, in the 
full assurance of faith, happy and collected to 
the last, maintaining her standing in the way 
of holiness without swerving either to the 
right or to the left. Glory to the blood tliat 
keeps us ! 

My now sainted mother, who was then in 
feeble health, lived with me in Cleveland for a 
few years. As the time for her departure drew 
near, she very much desired to visit her two 
daughters — one in Albany, the other in Bos- 
ton. I feared she was not able to endure the 
journey, but her desire was so strong, and her 
confidence in God so great that he would spare 
her to see her girls again, that I finally con- 



FROM I III') I'lUK. 1 1 1 

pcntod that sho should iindrrtako tho journoy. 
1 })ut hor in clKir<];e of friends wlio wore going 
east, and she reached my sist(»r's house in 
safety. She had been with thcni hut a few 
weeks, when she bade them a U)ng farewell 
and passed peacefully to heaven. I shall see 
her again where parting is unknown. 

Tho 2:lorious wave of holiness, whioh has 
been rolling through Ohio during the past few 
years, has swept every hindrance out of my 
way, and sent me to sea once more with chart 
and compass. 

"The Bible is my chart; it is a chart and compass too, 
Whose needle points forever true." 

When I drop anchor again, it will be in 
heaven's broad bay. 

Glory to Jesus for putting into my hand 
that precious, living light, ^'Thc Christian Har- 
vester.^^ May it and its self-sacrificing editor 
live many years, reflecting holy light as they 

go. 

If any one arise from the perusal of this 
book, scoffing at the w^ord of truth which he 
has read, I charge him to prepare to answer 
for the profanation at the peril of his soul. 



112 A BKAND PLUCKED 



CHAPTER XXVIII. 

Dear Sisters: I would that I could tell you 
a hundredth part of what God has revealed to 
me of his glory, especially on that never-to-be- 
forgotten night when I received my high and 
holy calling. The songs I heard I think were 
those which Job, David and Isaiah speak of 
hearing at night upon their beds, or the one 
of which the Revelator says "no man could 
learn." Certain it is, T have not been able to 
sing it since, though at times I have seemed 
to hear the distant echo of the music. When 
I tried to repeat it,, it vanished in the dim 
distance. Glory ! glory ! glory to the Most 
High! 

Sisters, shall not you and I unite with the 
heavenly host in the grand chorus? If so, 
you will not let what man may say or do, keep 
vou from doino^ the will of the Lord or usinoj 
the gifts you have for the good of others. 
How much easier to bear the reproach of men 



FKOM Tin: I'lHi:. 113 

tlmn to live at a distiince from Cod. Be not 
kt'pt ill l)()iul;i^-o by those wlio say, "We su'frcr 
not a woman to tcacli," thus quotiuf^ Paul's 
words, but not rii^litly ai)i)lying them. Wliat 
thouL^h we are called to pass through deep 
waters, so our anclior is cast within the veil, 
both sure and steadfast? Blessed experience! 
I have had to weep because this was not my 
constant exi)erience. At times, a cloud of 
heaviness has covered m}^ mind, and disobedi- 
ence has caused me to lose the clear witness of 
perfect love. 

One time I allowed my mind to dwell too 
much on my physical condition. I was suffer- 
ing severely from throat difficulty, and took 
the advice of friends, and sought a cure from 
earthly physicians, instead of applying to the 
Great Ph3'sician. For this reason my joy was 
checked, and I was obliged to cease my public 
labors for several years. During all this time 
I was less spiritual, less zealous, 3'et I was not 
willing to accept the suggestion of Satan, that 
I had forfeited the blessing of holiness. But 
alas ! the witness was not clear, and God suf- 
fered me to pass through close trials, tossed by 
the billows of tjcmptation. 

Losing my loving husband just at this time, 
I had much of the world to struggle with and 
against. 

(8) 



114 A BRAND PLUCKED 

Those who are wholly sanctified need not 
fear that God will hide his face, if they con- 
tinue to walk in the light even as Christ is in 
the light. Then they have fellowship with 
the Father and the Son, and become of one 
spirit with the Lord. I do not believe God 
ever withdraws himself from a soul which does 
not first withdraw itself from him, though 
such may abide under a cloud for a season, and 
have to cry: "My God! my God! why hast 
thou forsaken me?" 

Glory to God, who giveth us the victory 
through our Lord Jesus Christ! His blood 
meets all the demands of the law against us. 
It is the blood of Christ that sues for the ful- 
fillment of his last will and testament, and 
brings down every blessing into the soul. 

When I had well nigh despaired of a cure 
from my bodily infirmities, I cried from the 
depths of my soul for the blood of Jesus to be 
applied to my throat. My faith laid hold of 
the precious promises — John xiv. 14; Mark ii. 
23 ; xi. 24. At once I ceased trying to join the 
iron and the clay — the truth of God with the 
sayings and advice of men. I looked to my 
God for a fresh act of his sanctifying power. 
Bless his name ! deliverance did come, with 
the balm, and my throat has troubled me but 
little since. This was ten years ago. Praise 



I 



FROM THE FIRE. 1 1 ') 

the T.ord lor that holy Ih-c wliich maii}^ waters 
of trial and temptation cannot quench. 

Dear sisters in Christ, are any of you also 
without understanding and slow of heart to 
believe, as were tlie disciples? Although they 
had seen their Master do many mighty works, 
yet, with change of phice or circumstances, 
they would go back upon the old ground of 
carnal reasoning and unbelieving fears. The 
darkness and ignorance of our natures are 
such, that, even after we have embraced the 
Saviour and received his teaching, we are 
ready to stumble at the plainest truths! 
Blind unbelief is always sure to err; it can 
neither trace God nor trust him. Unbelief is 
ever alive to distrust and fear. So long as 
this evil root has a place in us, our fears can 
not be removed nor our hopes confirmed. 

Not till the day of Pentecost did Christ's 
chosen ones see clearly, or have their under- 
standings opened; and nothing short of a full 
baptism of the Spirit will dispel our unbelief. 
Without this, we are but babes — all our lives 
are often carried away by our carnal natures 
and kept in bondage ; whereas, if we are 
wholly saved and live under the full sanctify- 
ing influence of the Holy Ghost, we cannot be 
tossed about with every wind, but, like an iron 
pillar or a house built upon a rock, prove 



116 A BRAND PLUCKED 

immovable. Our minds will then be fully 
illuminated, our hearts purified, and our souls 
filled with the pure love of God, bringing 
forth fruit to his glory. 



CHAPTER XXIX. 

" If any man love the world, the love of the 
Father is not in him." 1 John ii. 15. The 
spirit which is in the world is widely different 
from the Spirit which is of God; yet many 
vainly imagine they can unite the two. But 
as we read in Luke x. 26, so it is between the 
spirit of the world and the Spirit which is of 
God. There is a great gulf fixed between 
them — a gulf which cuts off all union and 
intercourse; and this gulf will eternally pre- 
vent the least degree of fellowship in spirit. 

If we be of God and have the love of the 
Father in our hearts, we are not of the world, 
because whatsoever is of the world is not of 
God. We must be one or the other. We can 
not unite heaven and hell— light and dark- 



FROM THE FIRE. 117 

ness. Worldly lionor, worldly pleasure, worldly 
grandeur, worldly desipjns and worldly pur- 
suits are all incompatible with the love of the 
Father and with that kingdom of righteous- 
ness, peace and joy in the Holy Ghost, which 
is not of the world, but of God. Therefore, 
God says : " Be not conformed to the world, but 
be ye transformed by the renewing of your 
mind, that ye may prove what is that good, 
an<l acceptable, and perfect will of God." 
llom. xii. 2. 

As we look at the professing Christians of 
to-day, the question arises, Are they not all 
conformed to the ijiaxims and fashions of tins 
world, even many of those who profess to have 
been sanctified ? But they say the transform- 
ing and renewing here spoken of means, as it 
sa3^s, the mind, not the clothing. But, if the 
mind be renewed, it must affect the clothing. 
It is by the Word of God we are to be judged, 
not by our opinion of the Word; hence, to the 
law and the testimony. In a like manner the 
Word also says : " That women adorn them- 
selves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness 
and sobriety, not with broidered hair, or gold, 
or pearls, or costly array, but which becometh 
a woman y)rofessing godliness, with good 
works." 1 Tim. ii. 9, 10; 1 Pet. iii. 3-5. I 
might quote many passages to the same effect, 



118 A BRAND PLUCKED 

if I had time or room. Will you not hunt 
them up, and read carefully and prayerfully 
for yourselves ? 

Dear Christians, is not the low state of pure 
religion among all the churches the result of 
this worldly-mindedness ? There is much out- 
ward show ; and doth not this outward show 
portend the sore judgments of God to be exe- 
cuted upon the ministers and members ? Mal- 
achi ii. 7, says : " The priest's lips should keep 
knowledge," etc. But it is a lamentable fact 
that too many priests' lips speak vanity. 
Many profess to teach, but few are able to feed 
the lambs, while the sheep are dying for lack 
of nourishment and the true knowledge of sal- 
vation. 

The priests' office being to stand between 
God and the people, they ought to know the 
mind of God toward his people — what the 
acceptable and perfect will of God is. Under 
the law, it was required that the priests should 
be without blemish — having the whole of the 
inward and outward man as complete, uniform 
and consistent as it w\as possible to be under 
that dispensation; thereby showing the great 
purity that is required by God in all those 
who approach near unto him. " Speak unto 
Aaron and his sons that they separate them- 
selves," etc. The Lord here gives a charge to 



FROM TllK FlKi:. 11*.> 

the priests, under a severe penalty, that in all 
their approaches they shall sanctify them- 
selves. Thus God would teach his ministers 
and people that he is a holy God, and will be 
worshiped in the beauty of holiness by all 
those who come into his presence. 

Man may till his office in the church out- 
wardly, and God may in much mercy draw 
nigh to the peoph^ wluni devoutly assembled 
to worship him; but. if the minister has not 
had previous recourse to the fountain which is 
opened for sin and uncleanness, and felt the 
sanctifvinf^ and renewing intiuences of the 
Holy Ghost, he will feel himselt shut out from 
these divine communications. Oh, that God 
may baptize the ministry and church with the 
Holy Ghost and with fire. 

By the baptism of tire the church must be 
purged from its dead forms and notions respect- 
ing the inbcing of sin in all believers till 
death. The Master said: "Now ye are clean 
through the word which I have spoken unto 
3^ou; abide in me," etc. Oh! blessed union. 
Christian, God wants to establish your heart 
unblamable in holiness. 1 Thess. i. 13; iv. 7; 
Heb. xii. 14; Rom. vi. 19. Will you let him 
do it, by putting away all filthiness of the flesh 
as well as of the spirit? " Know ye not that 
ye are the temple of God ?" etc. 1 Cor. iii. 16, 



120 A BRAND PLUCKED 

17; 2 Cor. vi. 16, 17. Thus we will continue to 
search and find what the will of God is con- 
cerning his children. 1 Thess. iv. 3, 4. Bless 
God ! we may all have that inward, instanta- 
neous sanctification, whereby the root, the 
inheing of sin, is destroyed. 

Do not misunderstand me. I am not teach- 
ing absolute perfection, for that belongs to God 
alone. Nor do I mean a state of angelic or 
Adamic perfection, but Christian i:)erfection — 
an extinction of every temper contrary to 
love. 

"Now, the God of peace sanctify you wholly — 
your whole spirit, soul and body. 2 Thess. v. 
23. Glory to the blood !" '' Faithful is he that 
calleth you, who also will do it." Paul says : 
He is able to do exceeding abundantly, above 
all that v/e ask or think. Eph. iii. 20. 

Beloved reader, remember that you cannot 
commit sin and be a Christian, for "He that 
committeth sin is of the devil." If you are 
regenerated, sin does not reign in your mortal 
body; but if you are sanctified, sin does not 
exist in you. The sole ground of our perfect 
peace from all the carnal mind is by the blood 
of Jesus, for he is our peace, whom God hath 
set forth to be a propiation, through faith in 
his blood. " By whom also we have access by 
faith into this grace wherein we stand" — liav- 



FROM THE FIIU-:. 121 

ing entered into the lioliest by the blood of 
Jesus. 

Let the bk)od be the sentinel, keeping the 
tempter without, that you may have constant 
peace within; for Satan cannot swim 
waters. Isa. xxx. 7. 



122 A BRAND PLUCKED 



CHAPTER XXX. 



%\om la ^bbiti, ^aniflifujaHoti,* 



"Mixture of joy and sorrow 
I daily do pass through; 
Sometimes I'm in the valley, 
Then sinking down with woe. 

Chorus — Holy, holy, holy is the Lamb, 
Holj'' is the Lamb of God, 
Whose blood doth make me clean. 

"Sometimes I am exalted, 
On eagle's wings I fly; 
Rising above Mount Pisgah, 
I almost reach the sky. — Chorus. 

"Sometimes I am in doubting, 
And think I have no grace; 
Sometimes I am a-shouting. 

And camp-meeting is the place. — Chorus. 

"Sometimes, when I am praying, 
It almost seems a task ; 
Sometimes I get a blessing, 
The greatest I can ask. — Chorus. 



FROM Till-: FIRE. 12o 

"Sometimps I rrjul my IJihIe, 
It seems a sealed book ; 
Sometimes I find a blessing 
Wherever I do look. — Chorus 

" Oh, why am 1 thus tossed — 
Thus tossed to and fro? 
Because the blood of Jesus 

Hasn't washed nie white as snow. — Clioriiz. 

" Oh, come to Jesus now, and drink 
Of that holy, livinj: stream ; 
Your thirst he'll qu(>nch, your soul revive. 
And cleanse you from all sin." — Chonis. 

How is sanctificatiou to be obtained? An 
important question. I answer, by faith. Faith 
is the only condition of sanctification. By this 
I mean a faith that dies out to the workl and 
every form of sin ; that gives up the sin of the 
heart; and that believes, according to God's 
promise, he is able to perform, and will do it 
now — doeth it now. 

Why not yield, believe, and be sanctified 
now — now, while reading? "Now is the day 
of salvation." Say: "Here, Lord, I will, I do 
believe; thou hast said now — now let it be — 
now apply the blood of Jesus to my waiting, 
longing soul." 

"Hallelujah! 'tis done! 
I believe on the Son; 
I am saved by the blood 
Of the crucified One." 



124 A BRAND PLUCKED FROM THE FIRE. 

Now, dear reader, I conclude by praying 
that this little work may be blessed of God to 
your spiritual and everlasting good. I trust 
also that it will promote the cause of holiness 
in the Church. 

Now, unto Him who is able to do exceeding 
abundantly, above all that we ask or think, 
according to the power that worketh in us; 
unto Him be glory in the church by Christ 
Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. 
Amen. 



